While the Vikings were off on Sunday, things got a bit tighter around them in the NFC wild card race. The Rams' win over the Browns and the Packers' big (and somewhat controversial) primetime victory over the Chiefs means there are now four 6-6 teams looking to secure two playoff spots. The Saints — who lost to the Lions — and Buccaneers are still in the mix as well at 5-7.
Here's an updated look at the NFC standings after Week 13.
NFL
The Vikings lead the group of 6-6 teams because of their conference record, which is in a good spot even after a loss against the Bears. Still, they may have to go 3-2 down the stretch to get in, and they close with Lions-Packers-Lions after facing the Raiders and Bengals.
Sunday wasn't a great day for the Vikings, all things considered. The Rams and Packers won, and although the Saints lost, that means the Lions have a full three-game lead in the NFC North. The Buccaneers — who have a head-to-head win over the Vikings — also survived a scare against the Panthers to remain in the mix. Minnesota's playoff odds were at roughly 58 percent coming into the weekend, a number that will likely drop a bit.
Still, the only thing that really matters for the Vikings is controlling what they can control and winning as many football games as possible in these last five weeks.
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