Daily Norseman
The team should be able to handle business even in a hostile environment
The Vikings will have a tough test this week on the road vs the Seachickens. They are going to be desperate because if they lose then their playoff odds drop considerably but they would still have a chance due to the other teams in their division also having 6 or more losses. The Vikings are performing at a higher level statistically though. I think they will prevail but it is not going to be easy and there will be some worry. I think it is a great test for the playoffs though. What do you think? Can the Vikings stack another win?
NFL playoff scenarios: What if the Eagles, Lions and Vikings all finish with the same record?
Here are the steps to break a tie in the NFL between teams from different divisions (divisional ties are determined with the additional step of divisional record between steps 1 and 2):
1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
4. Strength of victory in all games.
5. Strength of schedule in all games.
6. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
7. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
8. Best net points in conference games.
9. Best net points in all games.
10. Best net touchdowns in all games.
11. Coin toss
The NFC North factor
The Lions beat the Vikings 31-29 in their first meeting of the season on Oct. 20, so they have the edge going into the teams’ second matchup in Week 18 on Jan. 5. The Vikings have that single divisional loss, while the Lions have zero, but both teams also play one other divisional game — the Lions play the Bears in Week 16, and the Vikings play the Packers in Week 17. It could very likely all come down to that final game.
Looking ahead, if the Lions win out, they’re the No. 1 seed. If both the Eagles and Vikings win out, the Vikings would likely own the tiebreaker due to strength of victory, per the Detroit Free Press.
Here’s how the Vikings could land the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the NFL playoffs
The Detroit Lions, also 12-2, currently lead the NFC North and hold the No. 1 seed thanks to a Week 7 win over the Vikings. The 12-2 Philadelphia Eagles are also vying for the top spot in the NFC. The NFL currently gives the Vikings an 18% chance of earning the top seed, with the Eagles at 30% and the Lions leading the pack with a 52% chance.
*If the Vikings win their remaining three games, they’re in great position to earn the No. 1 seed, regardless of what the...
