Vikings officially eliminated from playoffs ahead of Cowboys SNF game
The Minnesota Viking’s 2025 season is over before they even play in Week 15, after the Chicago Bears’ victory sealed their fate.
The Minnesota Vikings enter Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with their 2025 season already decided. They have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. A dominant win by the Chicago Bears earlier in the day mathematically closed Minnesota’s postseason path, ending hopes of a return to the postseason.
The Vikings are officially eliminated from playoff contention. An extremely disappointing season. pic.twitter.com/NHSX8i7tLl
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) December 14, 2025
Vikings out of 2025 Playoff race as Cowboys Week 15 approaches
Despite a valiant 31–0 victory over the Washington Commanders last week that briefly kept their faint chances alive, the Vikings (5–8) could not escape the brutal mathematics of the NFC race. Chicago’s decisive 31–3 victory over the Cleveland Browns ensured Minnesota’s record and remaining schedule could no longer produce the combinations needed to reach the postseason.
With the Vikings officially out, Sunday’s matchup against Dallas now has different implications for the team. It’s a chance for Minnesota to compete for pride, gain momentum for 2026, and potentially improve its position in the upcoming NFL Draft. At 5–8, the Vikings could realistically finish 5–12 by the end of the season, which would boost their draft standing.
The elimination marks the fourth time in six seasons that Minnesota has missed the playoffs. Though their postseason hopes are gone, the Vikings still have several meaningful challenges ahead. After facing Dallas in Arlington, they will visit the New York Giants and then close the season at home against both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, games that could impact final draft order and set the tone for a pivotal offseason.
Meanwhile, Dallas, needing a win to keep their own fleeting playoff hopes alive, will be looking to capitalize on Minnesota’s elimination, adding extra significance to Sunday night’s prime-time spotlight.
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