Does it really even matter if the Vikings make the playoffs?

Even with a victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings face a very tough road in the playoffs if they want to make it to the Super Bowl.

Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears is easily the most important game of the year for the Minnesota Vikings. Following the matchup, the Vikings will know whether or not they will be participating in the 2018 playoffs.

But even if Minnesota does qualify for the postseason on Sunday, does it really matter? Are the Vikings really going to go on a magical run all the way to the Super Bowl?

Realistically speaking, the likelihood of Minnesota winning more than one playoff game this year is very small. With the inconsistent way they have played throughout the majority of the season, having any sort of success in the playoffs this year is likely going to be a struggle for the Vikings.

Is it possible that Minnesota could pull off three straight postseason upsets and earn a spot in this year’s Super Bowl? Yes, of course miracles happen (see 2017), but someone betting their life savings on the Vikings doing this in 2018 would probably be better off just saving their money.

Minnesota qualifying for the playoffs would also mean a lower selection spot in the 2019 NFL Draft. For a team like the Vikings that could be losing some key contributors in the upcoming offseason (Anthony Barr, Latavius Murray, Trae Waynes), a higher draft spot would probably be more ideal in 2019.

Obviously, Minnesota’s fans would love for them to get as far into the playoffs as they possibly could. But given their realistic chances of a run in the postseason this year, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the Vikings actually ended up on the outside of the playoffs after Sunday’s game.