The Vikings’ Aren’t Yet Eliminated From Playoff Chances – Here Are The Scenarios

UPDATE: HERE is the updated playoff scenarios outlook for the Vikings after their 31-0 Week 14 win

The 2025 Minnesota Vikings season has been a slow, steady march toward misery. Despite that, the team is somehow not eliminated from playoff contention yet.

The shutout they suffered at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday extended the team's losing streak to 4 straight losses and a disappointing 4-8 record.

The loss further cemented their 'cellar-dweller' 4th place position in the NFC North, which is so very polar opposite from last year's finish with double-digit wins and a ranking among the best few teams in the NFC.

Don't get me wrong. I don't feel this is somehow unfair. Minnesota has earned each of these losses. Despite all of that, there is still a (very narrow) path to find their way into the postseason.

How do the Vikings still make the playoffs this year?

UPDATE: HERE is the updated playoff scenarios outlook for the Vikings after their 31-0 Week 14 win

NFL.com's playoff picture has the Vikings among three teams that are on the fringe, not yet eliminated from playoff contention. The other two teams? The Falcons and Minnesota's opponent this weekend, the Commanders.

READ MORE: A Look Back At Each Vikings Shutout Through The Years

The league's website says the Vikings' playoff odds are at a platry 0.02%, but that isn't zero. As their write-up explains, "Minnesota will need many, many miracles to still earn a postseason berth".

The absolute best the Vikings could do this season is a 9-8 record. They'd need to run the table, winning each of their remaining games (Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, Lions, Packers). Minnesota would still need help from other teams in their matchups to achieve success in beating the odds and making the playoffs.

How do the Vikings get eliminated the fastest from playoff contention this year?

When you're in the boat the Vikings are in, it won't take nearly as much to quickly be officially eliminated from playoff contention in 2025.

What is the fastest path to being eliminated?

If the Vikings lose this weekend against the Commanders, that will make it official. As they say, "they control their own destiny" if they want to get it over with and just focus on trying to figure out JJ and getting a good draft pick.

In addition, if the Vikings and Commanders tie, a Green Bay Packers win or tie against the Bears this weekend will also put Minnesota out of its misery this season.

Don't get me wrong. I'd love to see the Vikings run the table and show some signs of life. With the odds of playoffs, even if they win out, being so low; many fans will likely be rooting for losses to get a better draft pick this offseason.

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If the Vikings do manage to string together some wins yet this season, that either means that JJ McCarthy is starting to figure things out - or - the team's defense plays out of its mind to secure wins for Minnesota.