Lions-Packers on TNF Can Be a Win-Win for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have a sweet 10-2 record through 13 weeks and could clinch a playoff spot by dinnertime Sunday.
Lions-Packers on TNF Can Be a Win-Win for Vikings
For now, the franchise is realistically vying for a Wildcard playoff berth, though Minnesota could catch the Detroit Lions in the NFC North with a bit of luck.
Well, that “luck” can begin Thursday night when the Lions host the Vikings’ primary rival, the Green Bay Packers, at Ford Field.
And depending on one’s perception, the outcome of Lions-Packers can be perceived as a win-win for the Vikings, no matter what.
If Lions Win, Vikings Firm up the 5th Seed
The only item separating the Vikings and Packers right now is Minnesota’s Week 4 win at Lambeau Field. That win occurred when the purple team would jump on top of opponents and often not look back. Since, Kevin O’Connell’s team has embraced close games — not the blowouts from September.
Green Bay has a 9-3 record entering Week 14, and if it loses to Detroit — oddsmakers believe the Lions will win by three or four — Minnesota will have a 1.5-game cushion on the No. 5 seed in the NFC’s evolving playoff picture.
Without Packers losses, Minnesota risks grabbing the sixth seed in the NFC, which all but disqualifies the possibility of a home playoff game anytime in the tournament.
There’s also this notion: as a matter of principle, Vikings fans should always root against Green Bay. It isn’t difficult.
If Packers Win, Vikings Alive for NFC North Crown
Conversely, if the Packers score the mini-upset over the Lions — as they did on Thanksgiving in 2023 — well, the NFC North is back up for grabs.
Just like the Vikings’ defeat of the Packers in Week 4 is the sole event setting them apart from the cheese team, so goes that situation between Minnesota and Detroit. Had the Vikings defeated Detroit in Week 7, Minnesota would be on top of the North.
If you, the fan, want to see a home playoff game(s) for the Vikings, swallow your pride and cheer for Green Bay. It’s the only path to homefield advantage in the postseason.
A Tie = Nothing Changed at All
Finally, root for a tie if you cannot stomach cheering for either team. It would make the standings appear like the game never really happened.
In fact, this is a popular compromise angle for folks who cannot cheer for the Packers and will not cheer for the Lions.
A grimy tie.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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