The Minnesota Vikings have gradually evolved from one of the most compelling narratives in the NFL this season into a squad that appears capable of genuinely contending for an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl. The Vikings advanced to 13-2 on Sunday with yet another thrilling victory, this time against the Seattle Seahawks 27-24.
This victory brings Kevin O’Connell and his team closer to securing a potential No. 1 seed and home field advantage in the NFC. Should the Vikings manage to achieve this, probably by defeating the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions in the last two weeks of the season, they would need to win just two games at home in Minnesota to make it to the Super Bowl.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has yet to win a Super Bowl, but he understands a thing or two about securing a championship. Jefferson played a crucial role on the 2019 LSU squad that secured the CFP National Championship and is often regarded as one of the greatest college football teams ever. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Jefferson believes this Vikings squad has the potential to resemble the 2019 LSU team.
“Absolutely,” Jefferson stated, according to Seifert. “Not only the actions we take on the field, but also how we conduct ourselves and how we treat one another. … When I secured a championship at LSU in 2019, it had that same kind of atmosphere.” The team is united, supporting each other in every single match. “It certainly feels identical.”
It seems unlikely that the Vikings could seize the No. 1 seed in the NFC, yet they are merely two victories away from a 15-2 regular season and achieving the top spot in the NFC with Sam Darnold as the quarterback.
The planners did not simplify things for them. The Vikings wrap up the season facing two of the top teams in the NFL, the 10-4 Packers and the 13-2 Lions. Yet, if they secure two victories, they will push the Packers and the Lions to the wild card round away from home and can enjoy a break during wild card weekend.
Having the home field advantage would significantly benefit the Vikings as they approach the playoffs. Kevin O’Connell and his team hold a 7-2 record at home this season and will host Green Bay in Minnesota next week before traveling to Detroit to finish the season. Sam Darnold is showcasing some of his finest football at the moment, and Brian Flores’ defense can disrupt any quarterback with the home fans supporting it.
The Vikings will be battle-hardened as they approach the playoffs, having competed in one of the finest divisions in NFL history. The NFC North is expected to head into the playoffs with three teams boasting at least 11, potentially 12, victories, and might even have two teams with records of 14-3 or superior. These contests should ready the Vikings for any upcoming playoff battles.
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