NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons the Minnesota Vikings still make it
By Adam Cox
3. The Vikings have an easy remaining schedule
The Vikings are 6-6 on the season and need to win their four remaining games in order to secure a spot in the playoffs. The four teams remaining on the Vikings’ schedule are the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and the Chicago Bears. They have a combined record of 17-31. They are all winnable games for the Vikings.
Furthermore, while the Vikings currently sit in eighth place in the NFC and outside the playoffs, they remain firmly in the picture.
Despite losing six of their last seven, the Vikings are only two games behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Lions whose remaining opponents have a combined record of 28-20 and include the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, teams currently in the playoffs.
If the Vikings are unable to overtake the Lions for the division lead, the path to an NFC Wildcard spot is wide open. The Washington Redskins have lost two in a row and do not have an easy schedule in front of them. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hot lately but have tough, divisional opponents ahead. And following a hot start to the season, the Atlanta Falcons have been less than impressive in recent weeks.
The average Viking loss this season has been by just over a touchdown (6.3 points). Their past two losses have been by a combined five points. Similar performances against lesser competition should result in Viking victories and a shot at the playoffs.