Even if the Vikings lose to the Bears on Sunday, they can still claim the NFC's final wild-card spot with an Eagles loss or tie against the Redskins on Sunday.
Chicago's own interest in playing its starters through four quarters could also be dictated by what the Rams do against the Cardinals, since the only way the Bears can claim a first-round bye is with a win and a Rams loss to the 49ers.
All the permutations that could affect the Vikings' playoff positioning, though, won't be on Vikings coach Mike Zimmer's mind on Sunday afternoon.
The coach, who said he doesn't typically look at scoreboards during the Vikings' games, didn't seem to mind if the Eagles score flashes on the video boards at U.