The Minnesota Vikings remain in the hunt for a playoff spot following a decisive victory over the Washington Commanders on December 7, 2025. Despite their current record of 5-8, the team’s chances of advancing to the postseason are slim, with less than a 1% probability according to most NFL playoff trackers. They are not even listed among the teams “in the hunt,” reflecting the significant challenges they face in the coming weeks.
To keep their hopes alive, the Vikings must not only win their remaining games but also rely on several other results to go their way. Achieving a record of 9-8 would require a perfect finish, along with favorable outcomes in games involving other teams like the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. If everything falls into place, the Vikings could secure a playoff berth against the odds.
Week-by-Week Breakdown of Requirements
In Week 15, the Vikings’ path to the playoffs hinges on a few key games outside of their own. They need the Cleveland Browns to defeat the Bears and the Los Angeles Rams to overcome the Lions. A victory by the New Orleans Saints against the Carolina Panthers would also be beneficial. Most critically, the Vikings must defeat the Dallas Cowboys in a primetime matchup, which would elevate their playoff chances to around 4%.
Assuming they achieve victory, the following week (Week 16) presents another series of critical games. The Vikings would require the Green Bay Packers to beat the Bears, the Los Angeles Chargers to triumph over the Cowboys, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers to defeat the Lions. If the Vikings manage to secure a win against the New York Giants, their postseason probability could rise to 28%.
Should the Vikings remain in contention by Christmas Day, their circumstances would become even more favorable. In Week 17, they would need the Washington Commanders to beat the Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks to defeat the Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers to overcome the Bears. A victory against the Lions that week would boost their playoff chances to 48%.
Final Week Scenarios and Possibilities
If the Vikings enter the final week of the regular season with a chance at the postseason, the complexity of their needed outcomes would simplify significantly. In Week 18, the Vikings would simply need to defeat the Packers while hoping for the Lions to win against the Bears. This scenario would put them in a position to achieve a miraculous playoff berth, raising their chances of making the playoffs to a perfect 100%.
The path is undeniably difficult, yet the Vikings have managed to keep their postseason aspirations alive through determination and skill. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this storied franchise can turn around their season in stunning fashion.