Here’s How the Vikings Can Clinch a Playoff Berth in Week 15

Josh Frey |

Dec 13, 2024

The Minnesota Vikings improved their record to 11-2 after a 42-21 victory over Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend.

Now, the Vikings are taking on the Chicago Bears in what is a rematch of a 30-27 overtime thriller that the Vikings won back in Week 12. While the game already had high stakes due to the division rivalry, there is added stakes this weekend with Minnesota’s ability to clinch a playoff berth. Here is a look at how they can do that by the end of Monday night.

Win or Tie vs. Bears

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (right) and safety Camryn Bynum (left) and safety Josh Metellus (44) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Obviously, Vikings fans will be hoping for a seventh consecutive win for the purple team, but they technically don’t even need a win this week to ensure a playoff spot. As long as Minnesota ties Chicago and doesn’t take a third loss, they will clinch a spot in the playoffs this year.

It is quite remarkable that the Vikings find themselves in this situation, seeing as they were projected by many to win anywhere from 6-8 games this season, and now they can double that number with relative ease.

Seattle Loss or Tie vs. Green Bay

Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops to throw during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Vikings fans were forced into being Packers fans last weekend when Green Bay took on the Detroit Lions, and now, it may happen for the second consecutive week. If the Packers beat or tie vs. Seattle on Sunday, the Vikings could have a playoff berth wrapped up about 24 hours before they even take the field on Monday.

It will be a very tough feat for Green Bay though considering the Seahawks have now won four games in a row, vaulting themselves to the top of the NFC West division.

Aug 26, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A Seattle Seahawks helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Speaking of the NFC West, there was another scenario for the Vikings to clinch a playoff spot on Thursday night, in which they could have done so if the San Francisco 49ers had defeated the Los Angeles Rams.

Obviously, though, that never came to fruition as LA won a defensive battle, 12-6.

Ultimately, the Vikings control their own destiny to the playoffs, and with a win or tie against Chicago, or a little help from Green Bay, Minnesota could have its second playoff appearance in Kevin O’Connell’s first three seasons as head coach.

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reacts against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Heading into the weekend, the Vikings find themselves firmly entrenched in the No. 5 seed, likely facing either the NFC South or NFC West division champs in a road playoff game during the Wild Card round.

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

Also Read on Vikings Territory:
What Minnesota Vikings Fans Need to Know Ahead of Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears