Minnesota Vikings

Can the Minnesota Vikings still make the Playoffs?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After their most recent loss on Thursday night, the Minnesota Vikings chance at a playoff berth seems to be shrinking. But how does their remaining schedule compare to the rest of the potential NFC playoff teams?

If there is one thing the Minnesota Vikings are good at this season, it is the ability to give their fans hope and excitement and then follow it up by completely ripping the hearts out of their chests.

This year the Vikings began by winning their first five games and looking like they were bound to play in that fancy season finale the NFL calls the Super Bowl. But then, Minnesota mistakenly saw their reflection in the mirror and quickly shifted back into the team that every one of their fans has dreadfully admired over the franchise’s existence.

Now with only one win in their last seven games, making the Super Bowl seems like an early April Fool’s prank. Just four games remain for the Vikings this season and they likely need to win all four to even have a shot at earning a postseason berth.

Not only does Minnesota need to win the rest of their games this year, they also need the other NFC playoff contending teams to struggle during the last month of the season.

Currently, the Vikings sit as the eighth seed in the NFC. Since only six teams from each conference make the playoffs each year, that would mean (you guessed it) Minnesota would not be playing extra football if the season ended today.

Quite a fall from grace considering how they started the year.

So how exactly does the Vikings’ final month of the season compare to the rest of the NFC playoff contenders?

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes under the pressure of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving (95) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

Games Remaining:

At Jacksonville (2-9), Indianapolis (5-6), at Green Bay (5-6), Chicago (2-9)

At least Minnesota has the benefit of not having to play a team with a winning record during their final four games this season. Since they likely have to win all of these games it only helps their chances.

The Vikings are already 2-0 against AFC South teams in 2016, so they should be able to win their next two games. Playing in Lambeau is always tough for Minnesota and it will not be any different this year as the Packers could be fighting for a playoff spot as well.

If the Vikings are able to win all three games before they face the Bears in the final matchup of the season, would it really surprise anyone if Minnesota somehow found a way to lose to Chicago and erase their postseason hopes?

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) is congratulated by defensive end Ryan Russell (96) after he sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)

Games Remaining:

At San Diego (5-6), New Orleans (5-6), at Dallas (11-1), at New Orleans (5-6), Carolina (4-7)

After starting the year 1-3, the Bucs have won five of their last seven games. They are definitely a team the Vikings will keep their eye on as the season enters its final month.

Tampa Bay is going to likely have to win all if not four of their final five games this year to get into the playoffs. It is not going to be easy as they will be facing off against a top ten scoring offense each week.

But at the end of the day, the Bucs do not really seem like a team that Minnesota should worry about taking their playoff spot.

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) runs the ball against Dallas Cowboys strong safety J.J. Wilcox (27) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins (6-4-1)

Games Remaining:

At Arizona (4-6-1), at Philadelphia (5-6), Carolina (4-7), at Chicago (2-9), New York (8-3)

This is the team that should really concern the Vikings about their playoff chances. Not only does Washington face a similarly easy remaining schedule, but they also hold the tiebreaker over Minnesota after beating them back in Week 10.

But since the Redskins have that ugly extra number at the end of their record this year, even if the Vikings finish with the same number of wins as Washington, Minnesota would still miss out on the playoffs.

A little help from the football gods may be needed in order for the Vikings to end up with a better record than Washington at the end of the 2016 season.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates with running back Devonta Freeman (24) after a touchdown run by Freeman in the fourth quarter of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons (7-4)

Games Remaining:

Kansas City (8-3), at Los Angeles (4-7), San Francisco (1-10), at Carolina (4-7), New Orleans (5-6)

Based on their upcoming schedule, it seems very unlikely that Atlanta will not find themselves in the 2016 NFL Playoffs.

Their toughest remaining game is this Sunday and after that it should be smooth sailing. As long as they do not suffer a devastating injury, the Falcons should be a lock for the postseason.

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) celebrates with defensive end Kerry Hyder (61) after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions (7-4)

Games Remaining:

at New Orleans (5-6), Chicago (2-9), at New York Giants (8-3, at Dallas (11-1), Green Bay (5-6)

Despite their recent struggles, Minnesota’s best shot of getting into the playoffs this year may still be by winning the NFC North. The Lions beat the Vikings in both of their matchups this season so Minnesota has to avoid finishing the year with the same record as Detroit.

The Vikings would likely need the Lions to lose at least three or four of their final five games in order to take their postseason berth. Detroit losing of their next five does not seem like too much of a daydream, but four may be a bit of a stretch.

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) congratulates wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) on his touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants (8-3)

Games Remaining:

At Pittsburgh (6-5), Dallas (11-1), Detroit (7-4), at Philadelphia (5-6), at Washington (6-4-1)

Finally a team Minnesota holds a tiebreaker over!

Hard to believe that after five weeks this season, the Vikings were 5-0 and the Giants were 2-3. Seven weeks later, New York is cruising straight toward the postseason and Minnesota is scrambling to find a way to stay alive.

But the Giants should not be celebrating any playoff berths just yet as they have quite the schedule ahead of them. It may seem very unlikely, but a five-game losing streak to end the season and tarnish New York’s hope of the postseason could produce the greatest Eli Manning face anyone has ever seen.