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

Calli Varner Profile Picture
Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Key Takeaways:

  • ⭐ The Vikings' playoff chances are 0.4%, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • 📉 The Vikings have a 0.1% chance of winning the NFC.
  • 🏆 Minnesota has the longest odds to win the NFC.

The Minnesota Vikings spent the offseason reshaping their roster on both sides of the ball and officially named J.J. McCarthy their starting quarterback. The big question now is how he’ll continue to perform after returning from an injury that sidelined him for five games. With a 5-8 record, McCarthy and the Vikings take on the Cowboys in Dallas for SNF in Week 15. 

Sportsbooks aren’t offering favorable odds for Minnesota to make the playoffs, but the Vikings are still in contention. While Minnesota sportsbooks aren’t live yet, I’ll continue tracking Minnesota’s playoff outlook and betting trends as the season progresses.

What Are the Vikings Playoff Chances?

The Vikings' playoff chances are 0.4%, according to DraftKings Minnesota. Playoff odds for the 2025-26 season will change throughout the rest of the season.

Below, I've compiled a table showing Minnesota's odds for the season, comparing their Super Bowl chances, NFC championship chances, and division title chances:

💪 Chance to Make Playoffs0.4% chance (+25000)
⭐ Chance to win NFC NorthOTB
👑 Chance to Win NFC Championship0.1% chance (+80000)
🏆 Chance to Win Super Bowl0.1% chance (+100000)
🏈 Projected Win TotalO/U 6.5 (+120/-140)
Last Verified:December 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 was hoping to repeat its success this season, but have fallen short with just five wins.

🏆 MORE: Vikings Super Bowl Odds

Do the Vikings Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?

Yes, the Minnesota Vikings technically have a small chance to make the playoffs with a 5-8 record. However, the Vikings have just a 0.4% chance of advancing. Key losses have affected Minnesota’s playoff hopes, including being shut out by the Seahawks in Week 13, 26-0. But a shutout win over the Washington Commanders in Week 14 has kept the Minnesota Vikings in the playoff race.

Vikings Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates December 2025

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 1: Minnesota waives WR Adam Thielen. 
  • 📅 November 22: The Vikings activate C Ryan Kelly from injured reserve and sign CB Dwight McGlothern Jr.
  • 📅 November 8: Minnesota places CB Jeff Okudah on injured reserve.
  • 📅 October 18: The Vikings activate LB Blake Cashman and OLB Tyler Batty from Reserve/Injured.
  • 📅 October 4: Minnesota places C Ryan Kelly on Reserve/Injured.
  • 📅 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.
  • 📅 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.
  • 📅 March 12: The Vikings sign C Ryan Kelly, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Tavierre Thomas, and S Harrison Smith.
  • 📅 March 11: Minnesota signs DT Jonathan Allen and G Will Fries.
  • 📅 March 10: The Vikings sign CB Byron Murphy Jr
  • 📅 March 9: RB Aaron Jones Sr. signs a three-year contract with Minnesota.
  • 📅 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 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, but bounced back with a big road win over the Lions in Week 9. After shutting out the Commanders in Week 14, the Vikings will play the Cowboys on the road for SNF in Week 15.

Vikings ScheduleLineResult
Week 1 at Chicago BearsMIN -1.5, ML -122W 27-24
Week 2 vs. Atlanta FalconsMIN -3.5, ML -175L 22-6
Week 3 vs. Cincinnati BengalsMIN -3, ML -162W 48-10
Week 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)MIN -2.5, ML -135L 24-21
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns (London)MIN -3.5, ML -192W 21-17
Week 6 BYE--
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia EaglesMIN +2.5, ML +120L 28-22
Week 8 at Los Angeles ChargersMIN +3.5, ML +145L 37-10
Week 9 at Detroit LionsMIN +8.5, ML +400W 27-24
Week 10 vs. Baltimore RavensMIN -2.5, ML -155L 27-19
Week 11 vs. Chicago BearsMIN -3, ML -166L 19-17
Week 12 at Green Bay PackersMIN +6.5, ML +230L 23-6
Week 13 at Seattle SeahawksMIN +10.5, ML +455L 26-0
Week 14 vs. Washington CommandersMIN -1.5, ML -130W 31-0
Week 15 at Dallas CowboysMIN +5.5, ML +220TBD
Week 16 at New York GiantsMIN -2.5, ML -135TBD
Week 17 vs. Detroit LionsMIN +2.5, ML +120TBD
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 a wild-card loss to the Rams in 2024, the Vikings spent the offseason reshaping their roster. Justin Jefferson leads the wide receivers while Jordan Mason adds depth to a running back group that already includes Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler. The offensive line has been a focus as well, with Minnesota adding centers Ryan Kelley and Will Fries and drafting Donovan Jackson to strengthen the interior. 

Defensively, the Vikings made key upgrades, signing Javon Hargrave on the line and cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Byron Murphy Jr. The 2025 draft added more talent, including DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and LB Kobe King, giving Minnesota a refreshed and deeper defensive unit.

🔥 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

We are entering Week 15 of the season, so the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Minnesota made the playoffs last year, but has a slim chance to make it this year.

According to DraftKings, Minnesota’s odds to make the playoffs sit at +25000, giving them a 0.4% chance. With a tough division and two international games on the schedule, the path hasn't been easy, and the Vikings have fallen short of expectations so far this season.

Are the Vikings Out of the Playoff Picture?

No, the Vikings are not out of the playoffs. Although Minnesota’s record sits at 5–8 and their odds are slim, they haven’t been officially eliminated. The Vikings made the playoffs last season, but their remaining schedule, featuring matchups against Dallas, Detroit, and Green Bay, presents a challenging finish to the year.

Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC North

Every team but the Bears in the NFC North made the playoffs last season. In Week 15, the Vikings have the longest odds out of the division to make the playoffs at FanDuel:

  1. Green Bay Packers -3000 (96.8% chance)
  2. Chicago Bears -205 (67.2% chance)
  3. Detroit Lions -105 (51.2% chance)
  4. Minnesota Vikings +25000 (0.4% chance)

🔥 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. Below are odds from DraftKings.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers*-300
Green Bay Packers*-3000
Detroit Lions*-105
San Francisco 49ers-1500
Los Angeles Rams*-300
Philadelphia Eagles*-1600
Seattle Seahawks-1800
Atlanta Falcons**OTB
Minnesota Vikings*+25000
Washington Commanders**OTB
Chicago Bears-205
Dallas Cowboys+600
Carolina Panthers+320
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 earned wild-card berths in 2024. But with just five wins in a competitive conference, the Vikings have a slim chance to clinch a wild-card spot and make the playoffs. Currently they are in 11th place in the NFC.

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 a 5-8 record in a stacked NFC, odds are off the board for Minnesota to clinch the No. 1 seed. The Los Angeles Rams have the best odds.

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 guaranteed playoff contender.

Vikings Playoff Chances

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

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.