EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are still on the outside of the NFC playoff picture and are among five teams jumbled together at 6-7.
But Minnesota also moved up to the No. 8 spot after Week 14 was said and done.
Now it's time for a four-game sprint that should feature plenty of drama and intrigue.
"Everything is right there in front of us," said Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson. "We just have to go out and win the games that are on our schedule."
The Vikings are back in action on M_onday Night Football_ against the Bears. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m. (CT) from Soldier Field in Chicago.
A reminder that there are seven postseason berths in each conference and that only the No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye, a format the league adopted in 2020.
Look back at photos over the course of time featuring games between the Vikings and the Bears.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from the Dec. 31, 2017 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won 23-10.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from November 18, 2018 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 25-20.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from December 30, 2018 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 10-24.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
An image from September 29, 2019 regular season away game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 6-16.
2020 - Monday Night Football
2020 - Monday Night Football
2020 - Monday Night Football
An image from December 20, 2020 regular season home game against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings loss 27-33.
2020 - Monday Night Football
2020 - Monday Night Football
2020 - Monday Night Football
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2021 - Monday Night Football
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
Here's the look at the NFC playoff picture — with standings, current playoff odds, and a status update — as we head into Week 15.
1. Green Bay Packers (10-3)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @BAL (8-5)
12/25 CLE (7-6)
01/02 MIN (6-7)
Remaining foes' combined records: 23-28-1
Opponents' win percentage: .452
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 99-plus percent
Status: There is a change at the top, as the Packers are now the NFC's No. 1 seed after Green Bay won and Arizona lost in Week 14. The Packers, who moved into the top spot by virtue of their head-to-head win over the Cardinals, can clinch the NFC North with a win Sunday in Baltimore.
View the best photos from the Vikings game against the Steelers in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium, shot by Vikings seasonal photographers, Harrison Barden and Alli Rusco.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 NO (6-7)
12/26 @CAR (6-7)
01/02 @NYJ (3-10)
Remaining foes' combined records: 19-33
Opponents' win percentage: .365
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 99-plus percent
Status: The Buccaneers survived a late Bills rally to win in overtime and also moved up a spot in the NFC standings. As it stands now, Tampa Bay would host the third and final NFC Wild Card team … which could end up being Minnesota.
View photos of the Vikings 53-man roster as of Jan. 5, 2022.
1 K Greg Joseph
1 K Greg Joseph
3 P Jordan Berry
16 P Jordan Berry
7 CB Patrick Peterson
7 CB Patrick Peterson
8 QB Kirk Cousins
8 QB Kirk Cousins
11 QB Kellen Mond
11 QB Kellen Mond
12 WR Dede Westbrook
12 WR Dede Westbrook
14 QB Sean Mannion
14 QB Sean Mannion
15 WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
15 WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
17 WR K.J. Osborn
17 WR K.J. Osborn
18 WR Justin Jefferson
18 WR Justin Jefferson
20 CB Harrison Hand
20 CB Harrison Hand
22 S Harrison Smith
22 S Harrison Smith
23 S Xavier Woods
23 S Xavier Woods
24 CB Mackensie Alexander
24 CB Mackensie Alexander
2 RB Alexander Mattison
2 RB Alexander Mattison
26 RB Kene Nwangwu
26 RB Kene Nwangwu
3 CB Cameron Dantzler
27 CB Cameron Dantzler
29 CB Kris Boyd
29 CB Kris Boyd
30 FB C.J. Ham
30 FB C.J. Ham
31 RB Wayne Gallman
31 RB Wayne Gallman
4 RB Dalvin Cook
33 RB Dalvin Cook
35 TE Luke Stocker
35 TE Luke Stocker
41 LB Chazz Surratt
41 LB Chazz Surratt
42 LS Andrew DePaola
42 LS Andrew DePaola
44 S Josh Metellus
44 S Josh Metellus
45 LB Troy Dye
45 LB Troy Dye
48 LB Blake Lynch
48 LB Blake Lynch
52 G Wyatt Davis
52 G Wyatt Davis
55 LB Anthony Barr
55 LB Anthony Barr
56 C Garrett Bradbury
56 C Garett Bradbury
58 DT Michael Pierce
58 DT Michael Pierce
59 LB Nick Vigil
59 LB Nick Vigil
64 T Blake Brandel
64 T Blake Brandel
69 T Rashod Hill
69 T Rashod Hill
74 G Olisaemeka Udoh
74 G Olisaemeka Udoh
75 T Brian O'Neill
75 T Brian O'Neill
78 G Dakota Dozier
78 G Dakota Dozier
83 TE Tyler Conklin
83 TE Tyler Conklin
85 WR Dan Chisena
85 WR Dan Chisena
90 DT Sheldon Richardson
90 DT Sheldon Richardson
92 DT James Lynch
92 DT James Lynch
91 OLB Patrick Jones II
91 DE Patrick Jones II
94 DT Dalvin Tomlinson
94 DT Dalvin Tomlinson
96 DT Armon Watts
96 DT Armon Watts
98 DE D.J. Wonnum
98 DE D.J. Wonnum
3. Arizona Cardinals (10-3)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @DET (1-11-1)
12/25 IND (7-6)
01/02 @DAL (9-4)
Remaining foes' combined records: 22-29-1
Opponents' win percentage: .433
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 99-plus percent
Status: The Cardinals had a letdown on Monday night, and it cost them in a big way. Arizona is no longer the conference's top seed and will need some help down the stretch if it wants to reclaim that spot. After starting 7-0, the Cardinals have split their past six games.
4. Dallas Cowboys (9-4)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @NYG (4-9)
12/26 WASH (6-7)
01/02 AZ (10-3)
Remaining foes' combined records: 26-26
Opponents' win percentage: .500
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 99-plus percent
Status: The Cowboys have won two straight to get back on track following a two-game skid. Dallas' defense led the way in Sunday's win over Washington, allowing just 224 total yards of offense. Rookie Micah Parsons now has a dozen sacks and is making his case for the NFL Defensive Rooke of the Year Award.
5. Los Angeles Rams (9-4)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 SEA (5-8)
12/26 @MIN (6-7)
01/02 @BAL (8-5)
Remaining foes' combined records: 26-26
Opponents' win percentage: .500
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 97 percent
Status: The Rams were going to remain in the fifth seed no matter what happened Monday night. But Los Angeles delivered a statement win — doing so without some big names — and let the league know it is a team to be worried about when the playoffs come around.
View the Vikings in "Big Head Mode" as the team defeated the Steelers in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium.
6. San Francisco 49ers (7-6)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 ATL (6-7)
12/23 @TEN (9-4)
01/02 HOU (2-11)
Remaining foes' combined records: 26-26
Opponents' win percentage: .500
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 75 percent
Status: The 49ers jumped back into the sixth seed after spending a week in the No. 7 spot. San Francisco won an overtime thriller against Cincinnati and has a one-game lead on the cluster of 6-7 teams in the NFC. The 49ers also have head-to-head wins over two of those teams — the Vikings and Eagles.
7. Washington Football Team (6-7)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @PHI (6-7)
12/26 @DAL (9-4)
01/02 PHI (6-7)
Remaining foes' combined records: 25-27
Opponents' win percentage: .481
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 27 percent
Status: Washington's four-game win streak ended with a dud, as it trailed 24-0 at halftime against Dallas. Washington tried to rally late, but it still ended up with a tough loss. Now comes the first of two meetings (in three weeks) with Philadelphia. The Vikings will be rooting for a split of that season series.
View game action photos between the Vikings and Steelers during the Thursday Night Football matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium.
8. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Next 3 weeks
12/20 @CHI (4-9)
12/26 LAR (9-4)
01/02 @GB (10-3)
Remaining foes' combined records: 27-25
Opponents' win percentage: .519
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 29 percent
Status: The Vikings are hoping that a mini bye helps them rest up and get ready for a final four-game stretch. No team has been involved in as many chaotic games as Minnesota this season, with all but one contest being decided by one score. The Vikings head to Soldier Field in Week 15 for a prime-time matchup against the Bears. Minnesota has split its past six games in Chicago, but lost seven in a row there from 2008-2014.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 WASH (6-7)
12/26 NYG (4-9)
01/02 @WASH (6-7)
Remaining foes' combined records: 25-27
Opponents' win percentage: .481
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 37 percent
Status: The Eagles had their bye week and dropped down a spot in the standings. But Philadelphia has a chance to fly into the NFC playoff picture if it can beat Washington and see the other 6-7 teams lose in Week 15. All eyes will be on the Eagles to see who they start at quarterback — Jalen Hurts or Gardner Minshew? — if the former is healthy.
10. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @SF (7-6)
12/27 DET (1-11-1)
01/02 @BUF (7-6)
Remaining foes' combined records: 21-30-1
Opponents' win percentage: .413
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 12 percent
Status: The Falcons have managed to hang around and can make a run after getting a key win over the Panthers on Sunday. A Week 15 matchup with the 49ers will be among the most crucial NFC games of the weekend slate.
11. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @TB (9-4)
12/27 MIA (6-7)
01/02 CAR (5-8)
Remaining foes' combined records: 27-25
Opponents' win percentage: .519
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 19 percent
Status: The Saints snapped a five-game skid Sunday to remain in the hunt for an NFC Wild Card spot. New Orleans will now face a massive test on the road at Tampa Bay, which will be looking to clinch the NFC South title with a victory. It's safe to say the Vikings will be big Buccaneers fans this weekend.
12. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @BUF (7-6)
12/26 TB (10-3)
01/02 @NO (6-7)
Remaining foes' combined records: 33-19
Opponents' win percentage: .636
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 0.3 percent
Status: Carolina's struggles continued as the Panthers lost their third straight game to fall back again in the playoff chase. Carolina will need to bounce back soon, but that won't be easy, given its tough schedule down the stretch. The Panthers are 2-8 following a 3-0 start.
13. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 @LAR (9-4)
12/26 CHI (4-9)
01/02 DET (1-11-1)
Remaining foes' combined records: 24-27-1
Opponents' win percentage: .471
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 3 percent
Status: The Seahawks still have to play the Bears and Lions at home, but the franchise's future could be defined by how they fare in road games against the Rams and Cardinals. Seattle likely needs to run the table and get some help around the NFC.
14 New York Giants (4-9)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 DAL (9-4)
12/26 @PHI (6-7)
01/02 @CHI (4-9)
Remaining foes' combined records: 25-27
Opponents' win percentage: .481
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 1 percent
Status: Do you have any blue in your wardrobe? Vikings fans will be Giants fans in the final month, especially in Weeks 16 and 18 when New York plays Philadelphia and Washington. New York has lost three of four games and looks like it will miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
15. Chicago Bears (4-9)
Next 3 weeks
12/20 MIN (6-7)
12/26 @SEA (5-8)
01/02 NYG (4-9)
Remaining foes' combined records: 21-31
Opponents' win percentage: .404
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): 0.3 percent
Status: The Bears surged out to a lead over the Packers on Sunday night behind strong special teams play, but Chicago couldn't keep pace in the second half at Lambeau Field. Now with its playoff hopes all but gone. Chicago will look to play spoiler against Minnesota beginning Monday night.
16. Detroit Lions (1-11-1)
Next 3 weeks
12/19 AZ (10-3)
12/26 @ATL (6-7)
01/02 @ SEA (5-8)
Remaining foes' combined records: 31-21
Opponents' win percentage: .596
Current playoff odds (via FiveThirtyEight.com): Eliminated from playoff contention
Status: The Lions followed up their first win by getting blown out by the Broncos. Detroit became the first NFC team eliminated from playoff contention. The Lions last playoff appearance was in 2016.
