Defeat by the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve has left the Minnesota Vikings playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Packers Week Is an Early Playoff Eliminator
There are no more second chances in Minnesota this season. The Vikings must win their last two games and then hope — starting with their final home game of the season against Green Bay. Packers week is an early playoff eliminator, with defeat for either team likely terminal for their season.
NFC Playoff Congestion
Such is the state of the NFC Wildcard race that even with defeat, both the Vikings and Packers might not be out of contention.