Here's How Minnesota Can Clinch a Playoff Berth Sunday

It still seems early to be talking playoffs, but with the NFC North stacking wins at a historic rate, both the Lions and Vikings can clinch a trip to the playoffs as soon as this weekend.

All Detroit needs to do is win Thursday. If they don't win, there are still roughly five other scenarios this weekend in which they could wrap up a spot.

For the Minnesota Vikings, it's not as certain just yet, but the opportunity is there this weekend against Kirk Cousins and the Falcons.

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Here's a look at the Vikings clinching scenarios for this weekend's game at home against the Falcons:

Minnesota clinches a playoff berth with:

MIN win + SEA-ARI tie
MIN win + ARI loss + LAR loss or tie
MIN tie + TB loss + ARI loss + LAR loss
MIN tie + TB loss + ARI tie + LAR loss + PHI win or tie

It looks like a typical Week 18 clinching scenario, but we're only in Week 14. That's great news for Minnesota.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks to lock up a top 5 seed, a division crown, and/or a first round bye. But for now, getting a ticket to the dance this weekend is the first item on the checklist.

Minnesota and Atlanta kick off from Minneapolis at Noon on Sunday, a game that will be broadcasted on FOX.

Source: Pro Football Talk - NBC Sports

Minnesota Vikings In The Super Bowl? Yep, I Can Remember All Four

It's that time of year, the time when everyone is talking about the NFL's upcoming Super Bowl.

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when the Minnesota Vikings went to the Super Bowl.

And then they went again. And then again. And then again. Hey, we were one of the greatest teams of all time!

Unfortunately, it was the same time the Vikings lost the Super Bowl. And then again. And then again. And then again. Well, at least we must have been one of the second-best teams of all time!

For a whole lot of Vikings fans...you know, the ones who walk around with younger bones...the Vikings have never been to the Super Bowl.

Then there's the ol' dog that is me. I remember the first time... and the second... and the third... and the fourth.

Gallery Credit: Randy McDaniel