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

Calli Varner Profile Picture
Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Key Takeaways:

  • ⭐ The Vikings' playoff chances are 51.2%, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • 📉 The Vikings have a 22.7% chance of winning the NFC North.
  • 🏆 Minnesota has the seventh-shortest odds to win the NFC.

The Minnesota Vikings have been busy reshaping their roster on both sides of the ball this offseason. They’ve officially named J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback, leaving the key question: how will he perform this season? With the wide receiver group facing challenges, Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games and Rondale Moore on IR, the Vikings traded with the Panthers for Adam Thielen to bolster their depth.

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, sportsbooks see the Vikings as potential playoff contenders. Although Minnesota sportsbooks aren’t legal yet, I’ll be tracking the latest Vikings playoff outlook and more as the season unfolds.

What Are the Vikings Playoff Chances?

The Vikings' playoff chances are 51.2%, 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 Minnesota's early odds for the upcoming season, comparing their Super Bowl chances, NFC championship chances, and division title chances:

💪 Chance to Make Playoffs51.2% chance (-105)
🚫 Chance to Miss Playoffs53.5% chance (-115)
⭐ Chance to win NFC North22.7% chance (+340)
👑 Chance to Win NFC Championship8.3% chance (+1100)
🏆 Chance to Win Super Bowl3.9% chance (+2500)
🏈 Projected Win TotalO/U 8.5 (-155/+130)
Last Verified:August 28, 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 this season.

🏆 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 51.2% chance of advancing to the postseason.

Vikings Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates August 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.

  • 📅 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 Vikigns 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.
  • 📅 July 30: S Gervarrius Owens signs with Minnesota.
  • 📅 June 10: Minnesota signs TE Josh Oliver to a three-year contract extension.
  • 📅 April 29: The Vikings sign OLB Andrew Van Ginkel to a contract extension.
  • 📅 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 14: LB Eric Wilson signs with the Vikings.
  • 📅 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.
  • 📅 March 6: Minnesota signs S Theo Jackson to a two-year contract extension.
  • 📅 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 -122TBD
Week 2 vs. Atlanta FalconsMIN -4.5, ML -225TBD
Week 3 vs. Cincinnati BengalsMIN -1.5, ML -125TBD
Week 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)MIN -1.5, ML -125TBD
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns (London)MIN -7, ML -355TBD
Week 6 BYE--
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia EaglesMIN +3, ML +140TBD
Week 8 at Los Angeles ChargersMIN +3, ML +130TBD
Week 9 at Detroit LionsMIN +4.5, ML +180TBD
Week 10 vs. Baltimore RavensMIN +3.5, ML +160TBD
Week 11 vs. Chicago BearsMIN -2.5, ML -142TBD
Week 12 at Green Bay PackersMIN +3.5, ML +154TBD
Week 13 at Seattle SeahawksMIN +1.5, ML +102TBD
Week 14 vs. Washington CommandersMIN +1.5, ML +105TBD
Week 15 at Dallas CowboysMIN -1.5, ML -122TBD
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, now joined by Adam Thielen, 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. The offense will ultimately live or die by J.J. McCarthy’s performance.

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

The 2025-26 season hasn’t started yet, so the playoff picture is still unclear. Minnesota made the playoffs last year, but with a new QB leading the team, things could change. The Vikings have been busy this offseason, strengthening both offense and defense.

According to DraftKings, Minnesota’s odds to make the playoffs sit at -105, giving them a 51.2% chance. With a tough division and two international games on the schedule, the path won’t be easy. But if the Vikings play like they did in 2024, they should have no trouble reaching the postseason.

Are the Vikings Out of the 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 54.1% chance of missing the postseason based on -118 odds at FanDuel.

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 at FanDuel.

  1. Detroit Lions -170 (62.9% chance)
  2. Green Bay Packers -140 (58.3% chance)
  3. Minnesota Vikings -104 (50.9% chance)
  4. Chicago Bears +194 (34.0% 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 FanDuel.  

Philadelphia Eagles*-350
San Francisco 49ers-200
Detroit Lions*-170
Tampa Bay Buccaneers*-160
Los Angeles Rams*-148
Washington Commanders*-140
Green Bay Packers*-124
Minnesota Vikings*+104
Arizona Cardinals+124
Atlanta Falcons+144
Dallas Cowboys+184
Chicago Bears+194
Seattle Seahawks +164
Carolina Panthers+250
New York Giants+680
New Orleans Saints+820

*Denotes 2024-25 playoff appearance. 

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

Since the season hasn’t started yet, every NFC team still has a chance to clinch a wild-card spot. The Vikings, Packers, and Commanders earned wild-card berths in 2024. Once the season kicks off, we’ll begin tracking the wild-card picture closely.

Can the Vikings Get the No. 1 Seed in the 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 +1200 odds at FanDuel, the Vikings have a 7.7% chance of clinching the No. 1 seed.

Vikings Playoff Picture Outlook & Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings aim to return to the playoffs in 2025-26 after earning a wild-card spot in 2024. The roster has a strong core, but the development of younger players and depth at key positions will be essential. J.J. McCarthy takes over as QB1, backed up by new addition Sam Howell. At receiver, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen are locks, with a competitive battle for remaining spots. The running back duo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will also play an important role in the offense.

Minnesota’s defense is expected to be strong in 2025, returning many players from an already excellent 2024 unit and bolstered by the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. This group looks set to be an impressive force this season.

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.