Vikings don’t clinch playoff spot despite victory

Despite their 27-9 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, the Minnesota Vikings have not made it to the postseason yet.

That’s because the Houston Texans could not hold onto a late lead against the Philadelphia Eagles, as Jake Elliott hit a 35-yard field goal with no time left to give the Eagles a 32-30 victory over Houston.

That means that the Vikings are still in the driver’s seat for a spot in the 2018 NFC playoffs, but they have not clinched anything yet.

Vikings’ fans will be keeping a close eye on the Sunday Night Football contest between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. If the Chiefs should emerge victorious, the Vikings would leap over the Seahawks in terms of playoff seeding, but still will not have clinched a berth.

Looking at the Week 17 schedule, the Vikings will host the NFC North Champion Chicago Bears, who may or may not have anything to play for in that game. The Eagles will travel to play the Washington Redskins, while the Seahawks will host the Arizona Cardinals.

If the Vikings win on Sunday against Chicago, it isn’t going to matter what any other team does. . .the Vikings will make the NFC playoffs for the second year in a row and the third time in four years. If they lose against the Bears. . .well, they’re probably not getting in.

So, you know, they better win next Sunday.