Sunday isn’t going to be a ton of fun for Minnesota Vikings fans. Since the purple and gold don’t play until Monday Night Football, it’s good to know what impact those other games will have on the purple and gold.
It’s obvious to cheer for the Vikings, but sometimes it’s not as clear what other outcomes could help Minnesota when it comes to the playoffs. Sadly, the Rams losing on Thursday night would have helped in the Wild Card positioning, but there are still many games where there is a desired outcome that could be beneficial.
Vikings rooting guide for best NFL playoff seeding in Week 15
Washington Commanders (8-5) at New Orleans Saints (5-8), noon Sunday, FOX
Who to root for: Saints
This is mostly a precautionary situation, but the Washington Commanders are currently the No. 7 seed in the NFC and there is a chance they could win out and potentially be a 12-win team to move up the Wild Card ladder. Although rooting for the Saints isn’t something most Minnesota fans will want to do, it would help Minnesota to secure a floor in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills (10-3) at Detroit Lions (12-1), 3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX
Who to root for: Bills
The most obvious game outside of the Minnesota game on Monday night, one more loss for the Lions would give them the same record as the Vikings if Chicago falls. This would put huge value on the final game of the season between the Vikings and Lions, potentially putting the division on the line.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-2), 3:25 p.m. Sunday, FOX
Who to root for: Steelers
Philadelphia currently has the same record as the Vikings and are winning the NFC East. An Eagles loss would help Minnesota get the best possible seed if they are able to win their division. Plus, let’s be honest, most fans of the purple and gold don’t love cheering for Philly anyway.
Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5), 7:20 p.m. Sunday, NBC
Who to root for: It’s complicated
No matter what happens in this game, there will be implications for Minnesota. A Packers win may help Green Bay keep up with the Vikings in the Wild Card games, but it also secures a playoff berth for the Minnesota Vikings.
On the other hand, if the Seahawks can beat Green Bay, Minnesota gets a little breathing room in the Wild Card standings. Assuming the Vikings beat Chicago, they will have a playoff berth solidified. That means it could make more sense to root for Seattle on Sunday night.