Even before the Vikings took the field against the Chicago Bears on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, they had already clinched a playoff berth.

It marks the second time the Vikings have made the playoffs under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The assist went to the rival Green Bay Packers as they scored scored a 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night at Lumen Field. That mathematically ensured that the Vikings will make the playoffs in some way, shape, or form.

Now the Vikings will set their sights on the NFC North crown.

Because the Deroit Lions suffered a 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bill on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field, however, the Vikings were in position to move into a tie for first place in the NFC North as long as they took care of business against the Bears.

Technically the Vikings control their own destiny at this point because they play the Lions in the final game of the regular season.

There’s also still a chance the Vikings could earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

It’s going to be a battle with Lions and Philadelphia Eagles that will more than likely go down to the wire.

The remaining schedules at a glance

Vikings (11-2) play the Bears (4-9), the Seahawks (8-6), Packers (10-4), and Lions (12-2)
Lions (12-2) play the Bears (4-9), San Francisco 49ers (6-8), and Vikings (11-2)
Eagles (12-2) play the Washington Commanders (9-5), Dallas Cowboys (6-8), and New York Giants (2-12)

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