Through 12 games, the Vikings have fallen to 6-6 after dropping back-to-back Thursday losses. Following Thursday night's game against Dallas, players understand the task in front of them if they want to make it back to the postseason.
"We'll just keep doing it day-by-day, game-by-game, and try to win out and hopefully get a playoff spot."
While they can only control their play and their results, how other teams perform in this final stretch will serve as a major factor in the team's chance at a playoff bid.
These three games tomorrow feature teams that are currently in the playoff race right alongside Minnesota.
Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints, noon (CT)
A week after beating the Vikings on Thanksgiving, the division-leading Lions head on the road to take on the Saints, who are coming off of a 49-21 win over Los Angeles. At 7-4, a Lions win would increase their lead in the division by two games with four remaining.
Green Bay Packers at Houston Texans, noon (CT)
The Vikings currently lead the Packers by a half-game in the running for a Wild Card spot and hold the head-to-head edge, but the two still have one contest remaining in Week 16. Green Bay snapped a four-game losing streak with a 27-13 Monday night win over Philadelphia. Sunday's game against Houston kicks off a stretch where they face four teams that are at least .500 during their final five games.
A Houston win would keep them atop the AFC South for at least another week. However, three of their final four games will come against division foes.
Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals, noon (CT)
The Eagles look to get back on track in Cincinnati coming off of back-to-back losses. A win would put them at .500 on the season with a tough slate ahead of them. They still have three divisional games left on the schedule with all coming at home, but they'll need a win first on Sunday to remain in contention. The Eagles hold the tiebreaker against Minnesota following their Week 7 victory.
The Bengals, at 3-7-1, are in desperate need of a win to remain alive if they want to make it to the postseason for the sixth consecutive season.
Minnesota's next chance to increase its playoff chances will be at noon (CT) on Dec. 11 in Jacksonville.
