Fansided

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 12

By Thomas Wheaton

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws before a game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws before a game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

1. Minnesota Vikings

Last week the Vikings lost a close game against their division rival, the Chicago Bears. While that loss significantly decreased their odds of winning the division, the Vikings are still in position to make the playoffs. At 5-4-1, the Vikings currently hold the second wild card spot, ahead of the Redskins.

A win over the Packers on Sunday Night Football would be pivotal in ensuring the Vikings return to the playoffs. No game against Aaron Rodgers is ever easy — he is the best quarterback in the league. However, being at home will be a considerable advantage for Minnesota.

The last time these two teams squared off, the game ended in a tie. That should show how close these two teams are in terms of talent. The Vikings rely heavily on their defense, while it is the polar opposite for the Packers. Which unit wins its battle, and consequently, the game for its team?

With a win, the Vikings move one step closer to a return to the playoffs, while a loss would essentially spell the end for them. Will Mike Zimmer concoct a plan for defeating Rodgers and the Packers offense? That will be the story-line to watch on Sunday night as the Vikings look to keep their hopes alive.

In a must-win situation, bet on the Vikings at home.