Loss or tie at Green Bay would eliminate Vikings from playoff race
Jan. 2—GREEN BAY, Wis. — If the Vikings lose or tie on Sunday night to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, they would be eliminated from the playoff race.
That scenario was assured when Philadelphia (9-7) won 20-16 at Washington on Sunday afternoon to move even further ahead the Vikings (7-8). The Eagles are in the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff race, and seven teams will make it. Entering Sunday night's game, New Orleans (8-8) was No. 8 after an 18-10 win over Carolina on Sunday and Minnesota was No 9.
San Francisco (9-7) is No. 6 and defeated Houston 23-7 on Sunday. The 49ers hold any potential tiebreaker over the Vikings.
The Vikings entered Sunday knowing that a loss to the Packers would eliminate them from the playoffs if Philadelphia won or if Atlanta won at Buffalo and New Orleans defeated Carolina. The Falcons lost 29-15 to the Bills.
