The Minnesota Vikings (13-2) enter their NFC North rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday (3:25 p.m. CST, FOX) with a crystalized path to the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the playoffs.
Simply put, the Vikings control their own destiny. If they can protect their home turf against the Packers this week, and then come back and defeat the first-place Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Week 18, the NFC playoffs will run through U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis next month.
The Packers (11-4) have plenty to play for themselves, even after sewing up a playoff spot following Monday night’s rout of the depleted New Orleans Saints.