The Vikings were without four defensive starters in their last game against the Arizona Cardinals and put up a tough fight on the road Thursday night in the 23-20 defeat.
There was some debate across the Internet on if the Vikings should have kicked a 48-yard field goal on third down, or try to get a few more yards.
A look at the numbers shows the Vikings were playing the percentages in trying to get a few more yards.
Since 2005, NFL kickers have made 67.5 percent of 48-yard field goals (245 of 363).
74.1 percent of 43-yard field goals (263 of 355).
83.9 percent of 38-yard field goals (329 of 392).
Note that an extra 10 yards accounts for over a 15 percent higher chance of NFL kickers to make a field goal from the shorter distance.
Minnesota (8-5) hosts a divisional opponent in the Chicago Bears (5-8) at the University of Minnesota Sunday.
Here's a look at the NFL power rankings lists to see where the experts rank the Vikings heading into Week 15.
Vikings #9—**USA Today Sports**
Vikings # 10—**Yahoo Sports**
Vikings # 11—**ESPN.com*** *
Vikings #11—**Bleacher Report**
Vikings #11—**Washington Post**
Vikings #11—**NFL.com*** *
Vikings #11—**FOX Sports**
