How Vikings can clinch the No. 1 seed after Jalen Hurts injury

The Philadelphia Eagles could be without quarterback Jalen Hurts due to injury. Here’s how the Minnesota Vikings could clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

It was quite the great weekend for the Minnesota Vikings, as they managed to secure the largest comeback in NFL history. After trailing the Indianapolis Colts 33-0 at halftime, the Vikings won 39-36 in overtime to secure their 11th win of the season and clinch the NFC North title for the first time since 2017.

While the Vikings have had a successful season, they trailed the Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) by two games for the No. 1 seed in the NFC following Week 15. The Eagles have had a great season, with quarterback Jalen Hurts playing at an NFL MVP-caliber level. But, the team received some concerning news on Monday.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, Hurts is dealing with a sprained throwing shoulder suffered during the team’s Week 15 game against the Chicago Bears. With that, it is uncertain if Hurts will play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, as the team wants him to be fully healed before returning.

With this news, the Eagles may have a rough final three games of the season. Is it possible for the Vikings to overtake them for the No. 1 seed in the conference? There is actually a chance.

How Vikings can clinch the No. 1 seed in NFC

For the Vikings to clinch the No. 1 seed, they will need to win all of their remaining three games, and for the Eagles to lose their remaining three games.

Minnesota will take on the New York Giants in Week 16, the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, and the Chicago Bears in Week 18.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, take on the Cowboys in Week 16, the New Orleans Saints in Week 17, and the Giants in Week 18.

If Hurts is to miss anytime due to his shoulder injury, the Eagles will have backup Gardner Minshew start in his place. Minshew started in two games for Philadelphia last year, including a 33-18 win over the New York Jets. The team has former Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book as their third quarterback on the depth chart.

It’s simple, Vikings fans. Minnesota needs to win out, and Philadelphia needs lose out for the NFC North champions to clinch the No. 1 seed in the conference and a first-round bye in the playoffs.