Vikings’ 41-17 loss to Packers Sunday was one other sloppy efficiency relating to a workforce that has been considerably 12-4 by a -19 level margin this season.
It additionally had actual penalties within the playoff image.
Minnesota is now not second within the NFC because the Vikings lose and the 49ers get well from a ten-point deficit to beat the Raiders in time beyond regulation. After 3-4 begins, the 49ers gained 9 video games in a row, breaking a conference-record tie-breaker to maneuver the Vikings to quantity 2. San Francisco 9-2 in opposition to NFC opponents; Vikings 7-4.
Another week to play. However the 49ers’ Week 18 opponents are the 4-12 Arizona Cardinals, who’ve six consecutive losers, the fourth-worst level distinction within the NFL, and use a fourth totally different quarterback – former Vikings observe workforce member David Blough. Sunday. Something is feasible, however it may be predicted that the 49ers can have no hassle extending their profitable streak and the Cardinals’ dropping streak subsequent weekend.
The one manner for the Vikings to return to 2nd place is to defeat the Bears and shock the Cardinals in opposition to the 49ers.
Realistically, the Vikings at the moment are very more likely to enter the playoffs because the third seed. That may imply internet hosting the Giants within the wild spherical simply three weeks after beating the Giants 27-24 at US Financial institution Stadium on Christmas Eve. From a short-term perspective, you possibly can argue that being third seeded and dealing with the Giants is preferable to being second seeded and taking part in within the Packers, Seahawks or Lions.
However being behind the 49ers implies that ought to each groups win their first qualifying recreation, the Vikings should head to the Bay Space to play at Levi’s Stadium within the divisional spherical. This damage.
Vikings is just not centered on that proper now. They’ve yet one more common season recreation to play they usually know they’ll host a playoff recreation after that. To fret in regards to the cut up spherical can be to get forward of themselves. They know they’ve loads to work on after one other disproportionate defeat, in order that’s their precedence proper now.
“No matter (Seying) occurs, at this level, we deserved it figuring out we might have the chance to host a playoff recreation,” mentioned Kevin O’Connell. “However now we’ve to ensure we’re caring for ourselves and taking each alternative to enhance as a soccer workforce. … We have now to actually focus this week on having an excellent week of observe for the Chicago Bears. How we’re making an attempt to maintain this recreation going and who we’re taking part in and who we’re not taking part in with.”
It’s miles from assured that being the third seed will imply the Vikings will head west to face the 49ers within the divisional spherical. First, O’Connell’s workforce must fear about beating the Giants once more. There’s additionally the fascinating risk that the out-of-the-box Packers will beat the Lions for seventh place subsequent week after which flip them over within the wild spherical, reversing the 49ers’ state of affairs. With Aaron Rodgers on QB, who is aware of?
The 49ers even have an opportunity to develop into the #1 seed within the convention if the Eagles lose once more in Week 18.
Here is the complete NFC playoff image heading into Week 18:
The Packers are in seventh place with a win over the Lions, the Seahawks are inside with a win and a loss to the Packers, and the Lions are in with a win and a Seahawks loss.
The Vikings’ loss knocked them out of competition for the #1 seed within the convention. The Eagles’ loss to the Saints early Sunday meant Minnesota would keep in that race with a win.
The Eagles might clinch the highest spot with a win subsequent week in opposition to the Giants, who will not have any seed to play. An Eagles loss would open the door for the 49ers to take the first place with a win. If each the Eagles and the 49ers lose, which might be stunning, the Cowboys can be the #1 seed that beat the eradicated Commanders.
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