Border Battle Playoff Implications
In a season marked by twists and turns, the Vikings and Packers have navigated contrasting paths, resembling lost ships in the night. Green Bay’s early 2-1 lead over the Vikings, who started 0-3, set the stage for border bragging rights. Yet, momentum shifted. The Vikings soared with six wins in seven games, reaching 6-4 after…
In a season marked by twists and turns, the Vikings and Packers have navigated contrasting paths, resembling lost ships in the night. Green Bay’s early 2-1 lead over the Vikings, who started 0-3, set the stage for border bragging rights.
Yet, momentum shifted. The Vikings soared with six wins in seven games, reaching 6-4 after a Nov. 12 victory over New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Packers stumbled, losing five of six, including a 24-10 defeat to the Vikings at Lambeau Field, leaving them at 3-6 on the same date.
The Vikings, with a chance to create separation before their bye, suffered narrow losses to the Broncos and Bears. The Packers, facing a tough schedule, notched three straight wins, boosting their record to 6-6, now on par with the Vikings.
Post-bye, the Vikings find themselves at 42% playoff chances, down from nearly 80%, while the Packers have surged to a 71% likelihood. Despite the Vikings holding the head-to-head tiebreaker, Green Bay’s favorable schedule gives them an edge.
With a rematch on New Year’s Eve, both teams could secure playoff spots, but even a 9-8 finish for the Vikings, including a win over the Packers, isn’t a guaranteed bid (73% likelihood) if Green Bay wins its other four games.
In essence, the anticipated New Year’s Eve clash, once significant for the Vikings, now holds major implications for both teams, determining their final positions in the night.
