Following the results of Thursday Night Football, the Minnesota Vikings saw their window towards an NFC North title in 2024 close even smaller.
On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers traveled to Detroit to take on the NFC North leading Lions in a heavyweight battle between two NFC playoff contenders.
Had the 9-3 Packers pulled off a win against the 11-1 Lions, the Vikings would have moved within half a game of Detroit in the division standings. In the end, though, Detroit’s Jake Bates hit a game-winning 35-yard field goal to send the Lions home as the victors, 34-31.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Window Is Closing in the NFC North
The win not only ensured they will continue to solely lead the NFC North after this weekend, but they also officially clinched a playoff berth with their 12th win of the season.
As a result, the Vikings will need a lot of help over the next couple of weeks if they have any hopes of claiming the crown in the division. Of course, Detroit not only holds a 1.5-game lead over Minnesota in the division standings, but they also have a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings by way of their victory against Minnesota in Week 7.
But, is all lost hope for Minnesota in the divisional race? Well, let’s take a look.
Detroit and Minnesota of course will meet once again in Week 18 in a game, but before that, the Lions do have a semi-difficult stretch over the next three weeks.
In their next three games before that rematch with the Vikings, Detroit will host the Buffalo Bills, travel to Chicago for another divisional matchup, and travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers. It isn’t exactly a sure thing that the Lions head into Week 18 at 15-1 with the division locked in stone.
That also means the Vikings will have to take care of their own business over the next few weeks, though. This weekend brings with it the emotional return of Kirk Cousins to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time since signing with the Atlanta Falcons this spring.
After that, Minnesota will host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, travel to Seattle for a game against the Seahawks, and host the Green Bay Packers. It isn’t exactly smooth sailing for the Vikings at this point, either.
It isn’t all bad news for Minnesota after Thursday’s result, though. Green Bay remains Minnesota’s closest competition for the top Wild Card seed in the NFC, but now at 9-4, the Vikings have a little extra breathing room.
Hopefully, the Vikings close out the season strong and maintain that No. 5 seed for a consolation prize if they cannot catch Detroit for the division crown.
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