Vikings, GB Packers paired in virtual playoff elimination game

LONGTIME rivals lock up fighting for a playoff spot and more when the Minnesota Vikings welcome the Green Bay (GB) Packers on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Minnesota (7-8) and Green Bay (7-8) have endured up-and-down seasons and tumult at quarterback. The NFC North division title is out of reach after the Detroit Lions clinched it last week. Yet a wild-card playoff berth remains possible barring a loss Sunday.

The Vikings would boost their playoff chances to 49 percent with a win this weekend, according to playoff probability metrics. A loss? The playoff chances for the Vikings plummet to 4 percent.

The gap is even greater for Green Bay, which would boost its playoff chances to 55 percent with a win and see its chances crater to 1 percent with a loss.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love said players are embracing the stakes in what is shaping up to be a virtual playoff-elimination game.

The Packers are coming off a 33-30 road win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 courtesy of a last-second field goal. Mr. Love threw for two touchdowns and ran for another one in the victory. — Reuters