With the Seahawks’ loss to the Cowboys, the Vikings climb to sixth place

 

 

As a result of the Seahawks’ loss to the Cowboys on Thursday night, the Vikings moved up to the sixth spot in the current NFC playoff picture. Both Minnesota and Seattle are 6-6, but the Vikings hold a one-game advantage in the primary tiebreaker: record against conference opponents.

The Seahawks came into the game on Thursday night with a 35-27 lead following DK Metcalf’s third touchdown reception of the season, but the red-hot Cowboys replied with the game’s final 14 points to win 41-35. Dallas has won four straight games and six of its last seven, with only a one-point loss in Philadelphia thrown in for good measure. They have an NFL-high eight 30-point games in 12 games and are unbeaten at home.

The Vikings are unlikely to catch the Cowboys for the fifth seed, which comes with a matchup against the winner of the NFC South. They’d want to catch the Lions in the NFC North, but they blew a big opportunity against the Bears on Monday night. To accomplish this, the Vikings will almost certainly need to sweep Detroit.

Realistically, the Vikings will strive to win enough games in their remaining five to fend off the Packers, Rams, and Saints and finish as the sixth or seventh seed in the NFC playoffs. That would imply a road game against the 49ers or Lions (the Vikings and Lions may meet three times in a four-week timeframe).

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The Vikings’ bye week comes at an ideal time for their injured players.

 

 

This bye week comes at a great time for the Vikings, who get a chance to rest and reset a bit after two frustrating primetime losses brought them back to .500 at 6-6. Not only will they get a couple key players back after the bye, this time off gives everyone on the roster a chance to heal a bit after a 12-week grind to start the season. This is the latest in a season the Vikings’ bye week has fallen since 1991.

They’re one of six teams who are off this weekend, while two final teams — Arizona and Washington — will get their byes in Week 14. It’s been a long 12 consecutive weeks of games for Minnesota, who had a mini-bye of sorts after playing on Thursday night way back in Week 2.

The biggest news ahead of the Vikings’ matchup with the Raiders next Sunday — outside of the looming decision at quarterback — is the return of superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has missed the last seven contests with a hamstring injury.

He’s expected to be available without any limitations for the final five games of the regular season. Jefferson, who had 571 receiving yards when he got hurt in Week 5, will be looking to break that 1,000-yard mark in just ten games while helping the Vikings reach the playoffs again. Also set to return after the bye is cornerback Akayleb Evans, who missed the last two games with a calf strain.

Dean Lowry could also be back. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Marcus Davenport (ankle) is getting close to a return, and Jordan Hicks (leg) may still be a ways away. Even for players who haven’t missed much or any time, this bye week is big. T.J. Hockenson gets to rest a bit after playing through bruised ribs in recent weeks. Ed Ingram and Brian O’Neill have played all 801 snaps on offense this year.

Camryn Bynum is the only defender who has played all 794 snaps on that side of the ball, but Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy Jr. are also above 780. After getting some time away from football this week, players will be back in the facility next week ready to hit the ground running for the home stretch.