What Are the Vikings Playoff Chances?
The Vikings' playoff chances are off the board at DraftKings Minnesota. Playoff odds for the remaining contending teams will change throughout the rest of the season.
We will update the table below next season with the Vikings' Super Bowl chances, NFC championship chances, and division title chances.
| 💪 Chance to Make Playoffs | OTB |
| ⭐ Chance to win NFC North | OTB |
| 👑 Chance to Win NFC Championship | OTB |
| 🏆 Chance to Win Super Bowl | OTB |
| 🏈 Projected Win Total | OTB |
| ✅ Last Verified: | January 22, 2026 |
The Vikings finished second in the NFC North last season, with a 14-3 record, and clinched a wild-card spot in the playoffs. Minnesota was hoping to repeat its success this season, but have fallen short with just eight wins.
🏆 MORE: Vikings Super Bowl Odds
Do the Vikings Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?
No, the Minnesota Vikings do not have a chance to make the playoffs with an 8–8 record. Key losses have hurt Minnesota’s postseason hopes, including a 26–0 shutout loss to the Seahawks in Week 13. The team will now focus on closing out the season and preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Vikings Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates January 2026
As NFL fans and bettors know well, a single move can change the trajectory of an entire season. This section will serve as an update center for key moves regarding the Minnesota Vikings.
- 📅 December 24: C Ryan Kelly placed on injured reserve.
- 📅 December 23: The Vikings activate RB Ty Chandler to the active roster and claim QB Brett Rypien off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.
- 📅 December 19: Minnesota places LT Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve.
- 📅 December 17: The Vikings place S Joshua Metellus and OLB Jonathan Greenard on injured reserve.
- 📅 December 3: Minnesota designates RB Ty Chandler to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 December 1: The Vikings waive WR Adam Thielen.
- 📅 November 8: Minnesota places CB Jeff Okudah on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 17: The Vikings place RB Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve.
- 📅 August 26: Minnesota trades the Panthers a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for WR Adam Thielen.
- 📅 August 25: The Vikings trade CB Mekhi Blackmon to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- 📅 August 24: Minnesota trades QB Sam Howell to the Eagles and agrees to terms with QB Carson Wentz.
- 📅 August 12: WR Rondale Moore placed on Reserve/Injured.
I will continue to update this page all season, so be sure to bookmark it and return to see the latest updates regarding the Minnesota Vikings.
- 📅 April 26: Minnesota acquires QB Sam Howell & 172nd overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft from Seattle, in exchange for a 142nd overall pick.
- 📅 April 24: The Vikings select Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the first round of the NFL draft.
- 📅 March 25: Minnesota signs WR Rondale Moore.
- 📅 March 19: DB Jeff Okudah signs with the Vikings.
- 📅 March 18: The Vikings trade a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers for RB Jordan Mason and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
- 📅 March 13: Minnesota trades G Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
- 📅 January 21: The Vikings agree on a multi-year contract extension with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Minnesota Vikings 2025 Schedule and Betting Lines
The Vikings opened the season with a Monday Night Football win against division rivals, the Chicago Bears. After back-to-back international games, they took their bye week and then fell to the Chargers in Week 8. Minnesota will close out the season against the Packers at home.
| Vikings Schedule | Line | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 at Chicago Bears | MIN -1.5, ML -122 | W 27-24 |
| Week 2 vs. Atlanta Falcons | MIN -3.5, ML -175 | L 22-6 |
| Week 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals | MIN -3, ML -162 | W 48-10 |
| Week 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin) | MIN -2.5, ML -135 | L 24-21 |
| Week 5 at Cleveland Browns (London) | MIN -3.5, ML -192 | W 21-17 |
| Week 6 BYE | - | - |
| Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles | MIN +2.5, ML +120 | L 28-22 |
| Week 8 at Los Angeles Chargers | MIN +3.5, ML +145 | L 37-10 |
| Week 9 at Detroit Lions | MIN +8.5, ML +400 | W 27-24 |
| Week 10 vs. Baltimore Ravens | MIN -2.5, ML -155 | L 27-19 |
| Week 11 vs. Chicago Bears | MIN -3, ML -166 | L 19-17 |
| Week 12 at Green Bay Packers | MIN +6.5, ML +230 | L 23-6 |
| Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks | MIN +10.5, ML +455 | L 26-0 |
| Week 14 vs. Washington Commanders | MIN -1.5, ML -130 | W 31-0 |
| Week 15 at Dallas Cowboys | MIN +5.5, ML +220 | W 34-26 |
| Week 16 at New York Giants | MIN -3 ML, -155 | W 16-13 |
| Week 17 vs. Detroit Lions | MIN +2.5, ML +120 | W 23-10 |
| Week 18 vs. Green Bay Packers | MIN -6.5, ML -290 | TBD |
*Note: Minnesota sportsbook promos could eventually increase payouts with an odds boost or profit boost on future Vikings games.
Key Contributors Toward Vikings Playoff Chances
The Vikings missed the playoffs this season after reaching them last year. Returning to contention in 2026 will require key offseason moves, with top priorities including establishing a long-term QB plan, shoring up the interior offensive line, and freeing cap space for free agency and extensions. Above all, the team must fix the secondary to compete at a high level.
🔥 MORE: BetMGM Minnesota Bonus Codes
Where Can I Bet on the Vikings to Make the Playoffs?
You can bet on the Vikings to make the playoffs (when available) at most major sportsbooks, including BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Bettors must be at least 21 years old and within a state with legal sports betting.
Unfortunately, Minnesota sports betting is not yet legalized, and there are no live Minnesota sportsbook apps. Locals would need to travel to a nearby state like Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Illinois to place a legal bet on the Vikings to make the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Vikings Playoff Picture
As we enter Week 18, the playoff picture is taking shape, and the Vikings have been eliminated. Minnesota will now focus on closing out the season and preparing for the offseason and the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to make the changes needed to become a playoff contender next year.
Are the Vikings Out of the Playoff Picture?
Yes, the Vikings are out of the playoffs. With an 8–8 record and third place in the NFC North, Minnesota has been eliminated from playoff contention. They will shift their focus to closing out the season against the Green Bay Packers.
Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC North
Every team but the Bears in the NFC North made the playoffs last season. Entering Week 18, the Vikings and Lions are the only teams in the division to be eliminated from the playoffs.
- Green Bay Packers (+2000 to win Super Bowl 60)
- Chicago Bears OTB (+2200 to win Super Bowl 60)
- Detroit Lions OTB
- Minnesota Vikings OTB
🔥 MORE: FanDuel Minnesota Promo Codes
Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC Standings
The Vikings were up against some stiff competition in the NFC. Minnesota did clinch a wild-card spot in the playoffs in 2024, but a new season brings new challenges and the Vikings will not make the playoffs. We will update these odds next season.
| Los Angeles Rams* | OTB (Clinched) |
| San Francisco 49ers | OTB (Clinched) |
| Green Bay Packers* | OTB (Clinched) |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers* | OTB |
| Chicago Bears | OTB (Clinched) |
| Detroit Lions** | OTB |
| Carolina Panthers | OTB |
| Philadelphia Eagles* | OTB (Clinched) |
| Dallas Cowboys | OTB |
| Seattle Seahawks | OTB (Clinched) |
| Minnesota Vikings** | OTB |
| Atlanta Falcons** | OTB |
| Washington Commanders** | OTB |
| Arizona Cardinals** | OTB |
| New York Giants** | OTB |
| New Orleans Saints** | OTB |
*Denotes 2024-25 playoff appearance. **Denotes eliminated from 2025-26 playoffs.
Where Do the Vikings Rank in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Picture?
The Vikings, Packers, and Commanders all earned wild-card berths in 2024, but with just eight wins in a competitive NFC, the Vikings will miss the playoffs this season. Detroit also comes up short, while the Chicago Bears take the division and the Green Bay Packers officially secure a wild-card spot.
Can the Vikings Get the No. 1 Seed in the NFC Playoff Picture?
No, the Vikings cannot get the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. With an 8-8 record in a stacked NFC, odds are off the board for Minnesota to clinch the No. 1 seed. A few teams are still competing for the top seed, including the Chicago Bears.
Vikings Playoff Picture Outlook & Predictions
The Minnesota Vikings aimed to return to the playoffs in 2025–26 after earning a Wild Card spot in 2024. The roster has a strong core, but continued development of younger players and depth at key positions has been essential. While J.J. McCarthy was sidelined with an ankle injury, Carson Wentz led the offense, and McCarthy returned in Week 9. Even with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the offense has struggled this season to find consistency and hasn’t played well enough to be a playoff contender.
Who to Root for if You're a Minnesota Vikings Fan
Besides rooting for the Vikings, your best bet is to cheer against their divisional rivals. In other words, root for any team facing the Lions, Packers, or Bears to help Minnesota’s playoff chances.
🔥 MORE: Caesars Sportsbook Minnesota Promo Codes
Minnesota Vikings Odds FAQs
The Minnesota Vikings’ playoff chances are off the board. Minnesota has officially been eliminated from the playoffs, sitting in eighth place in the conference with an 8–8 record. They will host the Green Bay Packers on January 4 to close out the regular season.
Yes, the Minnesota Vikings are out of the playoffs. Minnesota is currently in eighth place in the NFC and will focus on closing out the season against the Green Bay Packers at home and then turn their attention to the offseason.
No, the Minnesota Vikings do not have a chance to make the playoffs as we enter Week 18. Minnesota has officially been eliminated from the postseason with an 8–8 record, sitting eighth in the NFC. They will finish the season at home on January 4 against the Packers.
When odds are available, you can bet on the Vikings to make the playoffs, win the NFC North, NFC title, or Super Bowl 60 at sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings. However, Minnesota currently doesn’t offer legal sports betting, so locals must visit another state to place bets legally.
Author
Calli has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.