Vikings Playoff Chances: Tracking the Vikings Playoff Picture for the 2025-26 Season

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Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Key Takeaways:

  • πŸ“‰ The Vikings' playoff chances are unavailable, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • πŸ“‰ The Vikings have a 20% chance to make the 2025-26 playoffs.
  • πŸ“‰ Out of all NFC North teams with DraftKings odds listed, Minnesota has the third-shortest odds to win the NFC.

The Minnesota Vikings have had a busy offseason building their roster on both sides of the ball. However, the most important question remains: Who is the starting quarterback? Even though the Vikings have not named their QB1, sportsbooks have odds available for the Vikings' 2025-26 season. 

Although Minnesota sportsbooks aren't legal yet, I'll keep you updated in this article on the latest Vikings playoff picture outlook throughout the NFL season.

What are the Vikings Playoff Chances?

The Vikings' playoff chances are off the board, according to DraftKings Minnesota. Playoff odds for the 2025-26 season should be released once we get closer to the start of the season.  

Below I've compiled a table showing what we do know about Minnesota in the upcoming season, comparing their Super Bowl chances, NFC championship chances and division title chances:

πŸ’ͺ Chance to Make PlayoffsOTB
🚫 Chance to Miss PlayoffsOTB
⭐ Chance to win NFC North20% chance (+400)
πŸ‘‘ Chance to Win NFC Championship6.7% chance (+1400)
πŸ† Chance to Win Super Bowl3.2% chance (+3000)
πŸ—½ NYT Playoff SimulatorN/A
🏈 ESPN FPI2.4 (8th)
βœ… Last Verified:April 16, 2025

The Vikings' playoff picture is calculated using the implied probability of the team’s odds to make the postseason. The Vikings finished second in the NFC North last season, with a 14-3 record and clinched a wild-card spot in the playoffs. Minnesota is looking to repeat its success in the new season. 

The New York Times Postseason Simulator tracks every eligible NFL team's playoff chances. ESPN's Football Power Index projects each NFL team's playoff chances, as well as their efficiency. 

πŸ† MORE: Vikings Super Bowl Odds

Do the Vikings Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?

Yes, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance to make the playoffs because the season has not started yet. Once the 2025-26 season starts and gets underway, we will have a better idea of every NFL team's playoff chances. 

Vikings Playoff Chances: Key Offseason Updates April 2025

The 2025 season has not started, but the offseason has been productive for the Vikings. As NFL fans and bettors know well, a single move can change the trajectory of an entire season. This section will serve as an update center for key moves regarding the Minnesota Vikings.

  • πŸ“… Mar. 25, 2025: Minnesota signs WR Rondale Moore.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 19, 2025: DB Jeff Okudah and WR Tim Jones sign with the Vikings.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 18, 2025: The Vikings trade a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers for RB Jordan Mason and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 14, 2025: LB Eric Wilson signs with the Vikings.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 13, 2025: Minnesota trades G Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 12, 2025: The Vikings sign C Ryan Kelly, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Tavierre Thomas and S Harrison Smith.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 11, 2025: Minnesota signs DT Jonathan Allen and G Will Fries.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 10, 2025: The Vikings sign S Bubba Bolden and CB Byron Murphy Jr. 
  • πŸ“… Mar. 9, 2025: RB Aaron Jones Sr. signs a three-year contract with Minnesota.
  • πŸ“… Mar. 6, 2025: Minnesota signs S Theo Jackson to a two-year contract extension.
  • πŸ“… Jan. 21, 2025: The Vikings agree on a multi-year contract extension with head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
  • πŸ“… Jan. 13, 2025: Minnesota is eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round, 27-9.
  • πŸ“… Dec. 15, 2024: The Vikings clinch a playoff spot ahead of Week 15's game against the Bears. 

I will continue to update this page all season, so be sure to bookmark it and return to see the latest updates regarding the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings Schedule and Betting Lines

The 2025-26 schedule has not been released, but we do know who the Minnesota Vikings will play in the upcoming season.

Home Opponents

  • Chicago Bears
  • Detroit Lions
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Washington Commanders
  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Atlanta Falcons

Away Opponents

  • Chicago Bears
  • Detroit Lions
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • New York Giants
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Seattle Seahawks
  • Los Angeles Chargers

*Note: Minnesota sportsbook promos could eventually increase payouts with an odds boost or profit boost on future Vikings games.

Key Contributors Toward Vikings Playoff Chances

After Minnesota lost in the wild-card round to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 playoffs, the Vikings have spent the offseason actively strengthening their roster. The Vikings already have a strong receiver room with WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. And now they added more weapons with WRs Rondale Moore and Tim Jones. One of Minnesota's biggest offensive signings this offseason is RB Aaron Jones.

The offensive line needed a major upgrade, and Minnesota has been focusing on the interior of the offensive line by signing centers Ryan Kelley and Will Fries. But we still don't know who the offensive line will be protecting...will JJ McCarthy start at QB1?

Defensively, the Vikings have also made huge strides, signing DL Javon Hargrave, CB Jeff Okudah and CB Byron Murphy Jr., to name a few. 

πŸ”₯ MORE: BetMGM Minnesota Bonus Codes

Where Can I Bet on the Vikings to Make the Playoffs?

You can bet on the Vikings to make the playoffs at most major Minnesota sportsbook apps, including BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings. Bettors must be at least 21 years old and within a state with legal sports betting.

Unfortunately, Minnesota sports betting is not yet legalized. Locals would need to travel to a nearby state like Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Illinois to place a legal bet on the Vikings to make the playoffs. 

Looking Ahead: Vikings Playoff Picture

The 2025-26 season has not yet started, so it is too soon to know what the playoff picture will look like. Minnesota made the playoffs last season, but with a new QB leading the team, things could be different in the new season. However, the Vikings have been active this offseason, ramping up their offense and defense. 

If the Vikings can play like they did in 2024, they will have no problem getting to the playoffs. 

Are the Vikings Out of Playoff Picture?

No, the Vikings are not out of the playoffs because the season has not started yet. Every NFL team still has a chance to make the playoffs. The Vikings made the playoffs last season, so we expect the odds of them making the 2025-26 playoffs to be strong.

Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC North

Playoff odds for the 2025-26 season are not available yet. As for who will win the NFC North, the Vikings have the third-longest odds at +400. Every team but the Bears made the playoffs last season. 

  1. Detroit Lions +135
  2. Green Bay Packers +275
  3. Minnesota Vikings +400
  4. Chicago Bears +425

πŸ”₯ MORE: FanDuel Minnesota Promo Codes

Vikings Playoff Picture vs. NFC Standings

The Vikings are up against some stiff competition in the NFC. Minnesota did clinch a wild-card spot in the playoffs in 2024, but a new season brings new challenges.  The playoff odds are not out yet, but we do know the Vikings have the 8th-shortest odds to win the conference. 

Below are the current NFC Championship odds. 

Philadelphia Eagles*+300
Detroit Lions*+425
Washington Commanders*+800
San Francisco 49ers+1000
Los Angeles Rams*+1100
Green Bay Packers*+1100
Tampa Bay Buccaneers*+1400
Minnesota Vikings*+1400
Chicago Bears+1600
Seattle Seahawks+3000
Dallas Cowboys+3500
Atlanta Falcons+3500
Arizona Cardinals+3500
Carolina Panthers+7000
New York Giants+7000
New Orleans Saints+8000

*Denotes 2024-25 playoff appearance. 

Where Do the Vikings Rank in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Picture?

Since the season has not yet started, every team in the NFC has a chance to clinch a wild-card spot. The Vikings, Packers and Commanders were the NFC wild card teams in 2024. 

Can the Vikings Get the No. 1 Seed in NFC Playoff Picture?

Yes, the Vikings can get the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. Although it would be very difficult to do, as the NFC is stacked with talented teams. Last season, the Detroit Lions were the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record.

Vikings Playoff Picture Outlook & Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to return to the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. After earning a wild-card spot in the 2024 playoffs, hopes have been high for Minnesota. But a lot of roster changes have occurred in the offseason. QB Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to the playoffs, went to the Seahawks. Unless Minnesota signs a QB in free agency, it looks like JJ McCarthy may take over as QB1. 

Minnesota's defense is expected to be a strong unit with the signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. So, making it to the playoffs will most likely come down to how the offense performs. 

Vikings Playoff Chances

Who to Root for if You're a Minnesota Vikings Fan

Aside from rooting for the Vikings, the best idea is to just root against divisional foes. So I would root for any team that plays against the Lions, Packers or Bears.

πŸ”₯ MORE: Caesars Sportsbook Minnesota Promo Codes

Minnesota Vikings Odds FAQs

Author

Calli Varner

Calli has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.