Vikings Playoff Chances: Tracking the Vikings Playoff Picture for the 2025-26 Season

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Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Key Takeaways:

  • ⭐ The Vikings' playoff chances are 44.4%, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • πŸ“‰ The Vikings have a 20% chance of winning the NFC North.
  • πŸ† Minnesota has the third-shortest odds to win the NFC.

The Minnesota Vikings have had a busy offseason building their roster on both sides of the ball. However, the most important question remains: Who is the starting quarterback? Even though the Vikings have not officially named their QB1, we assume it will be J.J. McCarthy. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, sportsbooks have the Vikings as possible playoff contenders.

Although Minnesota sportsbooks aren't legal yet, I'll keep you updated in this article on the latest Vikings playoff picture outlook throughout the NFL season.

What are the Vikings Playoff Chances?

The Vikings' playoff chances are 44.4%, according to DraftKings Minnesota. Playoff odds for the 2025-26 season will change once we kick off the season.

Below, I've compiled a table showing what we know about Minnesota in the upcoming season, comparing their Super Bowl chances, NFC championship chances, and division title chances:

πŸ’ͺ Chance to Make Playoffs44.4% chance (+125)
🚫 Chance to Miss Playoffs60% chance (-150)
⭐ Chance to win NFC North20% chance (+400)
πŸ‘‘ Chance to Win NFC Championship6.7% chance (+1400)
πŸ† Chance to Win Super Bowl3.2% chance (+3000)
🏈 Projected Win TotalO/U 8.5 (-145/+120)
βœ… Last Verified:June 11, 2025

The Vikings' playoff picture is calculated using the implied probability of the team’s odds to make the postseason. 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 is looking to repeat its success in the new season.

πŸ† MORE: Vikings Super Bowl Odds

Do the Vikings Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?

Yes, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance to make the playoffs because the season has not started yet. Once the 2025-26 season starts and gets underway, we will have a better idea of every NFL team's playoff chances. Ahead of the season, the Vikings have a 44.4% chance of advancing to the postseason.

Vikings Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates June 2025

The 2025 season has not started, but the offseason has been productive for the Vikings. 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.

  • πŸ“… April 29: The Vikings sign OLB Andrew Van Ginkel to a contract extension.
  • πŸ“… April 26: Minnesota acquires QB Sam Howell & 172nd overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft from Seattle, in exchange for a 142nd overall pick.
  • πŸ“… April 24: The Vikings select Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson in the first round of the NFL draft.
  • πŸ“… March 25: Minnesota signs WR Rondale Moore.
  • πŸ“… March 19: DB Jeff Okudah and WR Tim Jones sign with the Vikings.
  • πŸ“… 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.
  • πŸ“… March 14: LB Eric Wilson signs with the Vikings.
  • πŸ“… March 13: Minnesota trades G Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
  • πŸ“… March 12: The Vikings sign C Ryan Kelly, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Tavierre Thomas, and S Harrison Smith.
  • πŸ“… March 11: Minnesota signs DT Jonathan Allen and G Will Fries.
  • πŸ“… March 10: The Vikings sign S Bubba Bolden and CB Byron Murphy Jr. 
  • πŸ“… March 9: RB Aaron Jones Sr. signs a three-year contract with Minnesota.
  • πŸ“… March 6: Minnesota signs S Theo Jackson to a two-year contract extension.
  • πŸ“… January 21: The Vikings agree on a multi-year contract extension with head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Schedule and Betting Lines

The Vikings play two international games this season. They play the Steelers in Dublin in Week 4 and the Browns in London in Week 5.

Vikings ScheduleLineResult
Week 1 at Chicago BearsMIN +1.5, ML +100TBD
Week 2 vs. Atlanta FalconsMIN -4.5, ML -205TBD
Week 3 vs. Cincinnati BengalsMIN -1.5, ML -120TBD
Week 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)MIN -1.5, ML -120TBD
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns (London)MIN -7, ML -325TBD
Week 6 BYE--
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia EaglesMIN +3, ML +136TBD
Week 8 at Los Angeles ChargersMIN +3, ML +130TBD
Week 9 at Detroit LionsMIN +4.5, ML +164TBD
Week 10 vs. Baltimore RavensMIN +3.5, ML +150TBD
Week 11 vs. Chicago BearsMIN -2.5, ML -130TBD
Week 12 at Green Bay PackersMIN +3.5, ML +145TBD
Week 13 at Seattle SeahawksMIN +1.5, ML +102TBD
Week 14 vs. Washington CommandersMIN +1.5, ML +102TBD
Week 15 at Dallas CowboysMIN -1.5, ML -120TBD
Week 16 at New York GiantsMIN -2.5, ML -130TBD
Week 17 vs. Detroit LionsMIN +2.5, ML +114TBD
Week 18 vs. Green Bay PackersMIN +1.5, ML +102TBD

*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

After Minnesota lost in the wild-card round to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 playoffs, the Vikings have spent the offseason actively strengthening their roster. The Vikings already have a strong receiver room with WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. And now they added more weapons with WRs Rondale Moore and Tim Jones. One of Minnesota's biggest offensive signings this offseason is RB Aaron Jones.

The offensive line needed a major upgrade, and Minnesota has been focusing on the interior of the offensive line by signing centers Ryan Kelley and Will Fries. Minnesota also invested in its O-line by drafting Donovan Jackson in the first round of the draft. But we still don't know who the offensive line will be protecting...will J.J. McCarthy start at QB1?

Defensively, the Vikings have also made huge strides, signing DL Javon Hargrave, CB Jeff Okudah, and CB Byron Murphy Jr., to name a few. The 2025 draft also brought new defensive talent to the Vikings with the selections of DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and LB Kobe King. 

πŸ”₯ 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 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

The 2025-26 season has not yet started, so it is too soon to know what the playoff picture will look like. Minnesota made the playoffs last season, but with a new QB leading the team, things could be different in the new season. However, the Vikings have been active this offseason, ramping up their offense and defense. According to +125 odds at DraftKings, Minnesota has a 44.4% chance of making the playoffs. It's going to be a difficult path to the playoffs with a new QB and playing two international games, but if the Vikings can play like they did in 2024, they will have no problem getting to the playoffs.

The Vikings' defense is expected to be a strong unit. For Minnesota to get back to the playoffs, it will come down to the offense. If the improved offensive line can deliver, and J.J. McCarthy uses all of the tools at his disposal, the Vikings can advance to the postseason.

Are the Vikings Out of Playoff Picture?

No, the Vikings are not out of the playoffs because the season has not started yet. Every NFL team still has a chance to make the playoffs. The Vikings made the playoffs last season, but ahead of the 2025-26 season, Minnesota has a 60% chance of missing the postseason based on -150 odds at DraftKings.

Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC North

Every team but the Bears in the NFC North made the playoffs last season. Ahead of the 2025 season, the Vikings have the second-longest odds out of the division to make the playoffs.

  1. Detroit Lions -230 (69.7% chance)
  2. Green Bay Packers -135 (57.5% chance)
  3. Minnesota Vikings +125 (44.4% chance)
  4. Chicago Bears +160 (38.5% chance)

πŸ”₯ MORE: FanDuel Minnesota Promo Codes

Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC Standings

The Vikings are 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.  

Philadelphia Eagles*-400
Detroit Lions*-230
Tampa Bay Buccaneers*-175
San Francisco 49ers-200
Washington Commanders*-160
Los Angeles Rams*-160
Green Bay Packers*-135
Minnesota Vikings*+125
Arizona Cardinals+130
Seattle Seahawks+150
Atlanta Falcons+155
Chicago Bears+160
Dallas Cowboys+190
Carolina Panthers+250
New York Giants+650
New Orleans Saints+600

*Denotes 2024-25 playoff appearance. 

Where Do the Vikings Rank in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Picture?

Since the season has not yet started, every team in the NFC has a chance to clinch a wild-card spot. The Vikings, Packers, and Commanders were the NFC wild-card teams in 2024. 

Can the Vikings Get the No. 1 Seed in NFC Playoff Picture?

Yes, the Vikings can get the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. Although it would be very difficult to do, as the NFC is stacked with talented teams. Last season, the Detroit Lions were the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record. Based on +1000 odds at DraftKings, the Vikings have a 9.1% chance of clinching the No. 1 seed.

Vikings Playoff Picture Outlook & Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to return to the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. After earning a wild-card spot in the 2024 playoffs, hopes have been high for Minnesota. But several roster changes have occurred in the offseason. QB Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to the playoffs, went to the Seahawks. Even though Minnesota acquired QB Sam Howell from Seattle, it looks like J.J. McCarthy will take over as QB1. 

Minnesota's defense is expected to be a strong unit with the signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. So, making it to the playoffs will most likely come down to how the offense performs. The Vikings' 2025 draft class is expected to bolster the offense, but will it be enough to advance to the postseason?

Vikings Playoff Chances

Who to Root for if You're a Minnesota Vikings Fan

Aside from rooting for the Vikings, the best idea is to just root against divisional foes. So I would root for any team that plays against the Lions, Packers, or Bears.

πŸ”₯ MORE: Caesars Sportsbook Minnesota Promo Codes

Minnesota Vikings Odds FAQs

Author

Calli Varner

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.