How can Vikings clinch the NFC North in Week 13?

The Minnesota Vikings can clinch the NFC North in Week 13, in part thanks to the Packers loss on Sunday Night Football.

Minnesota’s point differential suggests they could run into trouble come the postseason, but the remaining schedule could gift them the No. 1 seed in the NFC should the Eagles falter.

The Vikings are closing in on a playoff spot thanks to a trio of division rivals that have disappointed so far in 2022. Namely, Green Bay was expected to win the NFC North prior to the regular season, but Aaron Rodgers and a depleted receiving corps have looked like a shell of their 2021 form. Rodgers might have one foot out the door himself.

For Minnesota to clinch in Week 13, they need not worry about the Packers. In fact, it’s the Detroit Lions game that Vikings fans should be watching come next Sunday.

How Vikings can clinch the NFC North

Minnesota could be just one week away from clinching the division. The clinching scenario isn’t all that complicated, and should the Lions delay a celebration by a week, it won’t mean much come the end of the season.

Here’s how the Vikings can clinch the NFC North:

1. Defeat the New York Jets in Week 13
2. Lions must lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13

In the end, it’s actually pretty simple. A win and a Detroit loss means paydirt for Kevin O’Connell, Kirk Cousins and Co.

A Lions loss to the Jaguars is actually pretty feasible. Detroit is just 4-7 themselves, and despite pushing the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving, have plenty of holes defensively. Jacksonville is fresh off an upset victory, having overcome a two-score deficit against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, which frustrated Lamar Jackson to no end.

For the Vikings, it’s a matter of when, not if, they’ll be NFC North champs.