Vikings Can Clinch Playoff Spot This Weekend

With three games remaining in the regular season (vs. Chicago, vs. NY Giants, at Green Bay) the Minnesota Vikings (8-5) can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday by defeating the Chicago Bears (5-8) -- and getting a little help from their friends.

When I say 'friends,' I mean they will need help from a combination of the Panthers, Jaguars, Bills, Cardinals, and/or Browns.

Here are the likely scenarios that would clinch a playoff spot for the Vikes this weekend -- in addition to the Vikings beating the Bears:

• Redskins lose or tie, and Falcons lose or tie.
• Redskins lose or tie, and Seahawks lose or tie.
• Giants lose or tie, and Falcons lose or tie.
• Giants lose or tie, and Seahawks lose or tie.

The Vikings would also clinch a playoff spot by tying the Bears on Sunday, coupled with one of the following:

• Falcons lose or tie, and Eagles lose or tie, and Redskins lose.
• Falcons lose or tie, and Eagles lose or tie, and Giants lose.
• Falcons lose or tie, and Redskins lose or tie, and Giants lose or tie (as long as Redskins and Giants don't both tie).

Bottom line, just win baby. Skol!