Vikings’ Playoff Hopes End with Official Elimination
The Minnesota Vikings’ hopes for a playoff berth in the 2025 season have officially come to an end. With the Chicago Bears’ decisive 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings find themselves eliminated from postseason contention.
Elimination from Playoff Race
Before this week’s games, the Vikings had a slim chance of making the playoffs. Their playoff scenario required the Bears to lose all their remaining games, the Detroit Lions to also lose except for their Week 18 matchup against Chicago, and for the Vikings to win their final four games. Despite these conditions, the playoff simulators indicated the Vikings had less than a 1% chance of advancing.
Impact of the Elimination
As it stands, the Vikings will likely finish last in the NFC North. This would mark their lowest division finish since 2013, when they closed out their season at the Metrodome. Fans have noted the implications of a last-place finish, as it means the Vikings will face a “fourth-place schedule” in 2026. This scheduling format could provide some advantages, albeit limited, given that only three games differ among the teams’ schedules.
Looking Ahead
With their playoff hopes extinguished, the Vikings now focus on playing for pride and potentially improving their draft position. The team shifts its priorities for the remainder of the season, no longer vying for a playoff spot but instead evaluating their roster’s future.
- Vikings eliminated from playoff contention
- Chicago Bears defeated Cleveland Browns 31-3
- Possible last-place finish in NFC North for the first time in a decade
- Future focus on draft position and team evaluation
