Vikings Hoping to Repeat Heroics of Season’s Past
By: Steven Callahan
Five weeks into the 2016 regular season, the Minnesota Vikings seemed like a lock to make the playoffs. They were 5-0, had one of the best defenses in the league and they hadn’t allowed more than 16 points in a game. Then the bottom dropped out and they lost their next four games and have lost six of seven overall. At 6-6, two games behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North, their chances of winning the division, especially since they’ve already lost to the Lions twice, seem slim, but it could happen. The Vikings could also grab the last wild card spot.
To do either of those things, they would have to win their last four games, just like they did in 2012, and get some help from the Lions and several others. With the wild card scenarios a bit complex, here’s how they could close the two game gap with Detroit and win the NFC North.
Week 14 – The Vikings travel to Jacksonville to face the hapless Jaguars who are 2-10 on the season and in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. Despite their 17-15 loss to the Cowboys last week, the Vikings defense played one of their best games of the season, holding the fourth-ranked Cowboys offense to just 264 yards and two turnovers. The Jags offense ranks 22nd in the league, so this should be a Vikings win. The Lions host the Bears, whom they lost to, 17-14 in Week 4. Jordan Howard leads a solid rushing attack against the Lions 13th ranked rushing defense. A Detroit loss here isn’t out of the question.
Week 15 – The Vikings will host the Colts and their 28th ranked defense that gives up 383 yards per game. With a potent pass rush to attack a Colts offensive line that has given up 39 sacks, this is another game Minnesota can win with their defense. If Bradford can have a field day against the Colts defense, as he should, it could be the confidence booster he needs going into Week 16. The Lions, meanwhile, will travel to New York to face the Giants. The Giants are also in a playoff fight of their own, trying to hold onto one of the wild card spots in the NFC. This is another game that it’s easy to see Detroit losing.
Week 16 – Minnesota has to travel to Green Bay to play what looks to be their toughest game left on the schedule. The Packers are also fighting for their playoff lives, needing to win out to have a chance at getting in and they just used a 98-yard drive, in the snow, to vanquish the Texans. It’s hard to see the Vikings winning this one, but they did beat Green Bay 17-14 in week two. Detroit will travel to Dallas and unless the Cowboys have locked up home field advantage, it’s a good bet that the Lions lose that game.
Week 17 – The Vikings close out the season at home against the Bears, If they manage to stun the Packers and still have playoff life, they will face a Bears team that has nothing left to play for. Chicago beat Minnesota 20-10 in their first meeting, but the edge would go to the Vikings if they are still playing for a postseason berth. Meanwhile, Detroit will finish the season at home against the Packers. Another matchup that could feature two teams battling for a playoff spot. Even if Green Bay has been eliminated, the competitive drive of Rodgers and his desire to win as many as possible, could push the Packers to the win, but with a banged up defense, Matthew Stafford might be more than they can handle.
While the schedule does point the way for the Vikings to possibly win four straight and the Lions to lose three of their last four, it would be the story of the season if it actually happens.
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