Sunday Might Be Best Shot for Vikings to Stop the Bleeding
There is a miracle scenario in which the Minnesota Vikings win all five of their remaining games and, with the right results in other games, they can sneak into the playoffs via the wildcard. That would be precisely that – a miracle. Right now, after four straight losses, the team needs to find that winning feeling again to make everyone feel a bit better.
Sunday gives Minnesota its cleanest chance to end the skid. Washington’s weak spots line up well, and a win here could finally steady the Vikings.
The best chance for the Vikings to find a win in the last five games would seem to be this Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Another NFC team that made the playoffs last time out but has struggled to repeat that success this year.
Time Is Running Out for the Vikings to Look Competent
The struggling New York Giants in Week 16 also represent a good chance, but with this week’s game at US Bank Stadium and the Giants’ game at MetLife Stadium, the home-field advantage should, in theory, favor the Vikings.
However, home-field advantage hasn’t proven to be the case at all this season in Minnesota, with the Vikings posting a 1-4 home record while going 3-4 on the road. Kevin O’Connell’s team needs to give the home faithful something to cheer about on Sunday, with the final two home games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers looking ominous on current form.
Where Washington Stands and Draft Position
Washington currently sits at 3-9, a game back of Minnesota in what has proved to be a frustrating season. Having made the playoffs last season, thanks in no small part to then-rookie QB Jayden Daniels.
This year, Daniels has only played in half of the Commanders’ 12 games because of first knee, thigh, and hamstring strains, and since Week 9, a dislocated shoulder. Daniels is back practising this week, and his return would be a huge boost for them, but it shouldn’t change the Vikings’ expectations of a win.
The possibility of picking in the top 10 of the 2026 draft is more relevant to these two teams than how many games they might win. However, that’s not how professional sports people think, and while they are playing, they will be looking to win, and draft position will come into play further down the line. Of course, a Washington win would see the teams level on wins.
Vikings/Commanders History
There have been 28 meetings between the Vikings and Commanders (formerly Redskins), including five playoff games. Minnesota leads the series 15-13 and has the advantage in recent meetings. Winning the last three and five of the last six meetings, the Vikings have been dominant in this fixture in recent years.
You have to go back to 2007 to find the last time Washington won a game in Minnesota, and then back to 1993 to find another one. Many of Washington’s wins came during its golden period in the 80s and early 90s.
JJ McCarthy will return from his latest injury in what should be the first of five important games for the young QB. Finding a way to win this week would be a huge boost to his and everyone else’s confidence.
You must be logged in to post a comment.