Vikings Face Uncertain Future as Playoff Dreams Fade
With the Minnesota Vikings’ hopes for a postseason berth hanging by a thread, the more pragmatic outlook suggests they will miss the playoffs entirely. As a result, attention turns to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could find themselves selecting in the top half. The question now is just how high that pick might be.
Aiming for the Top Draft Pick
If the Vikings are to forego a miraculous playoff run, embracing losses in their remaining games could set them up for a favorable position in the upcoming draft. Fans are urged to consider which teams they should support in Week 15 to boost Minnesota’s chances of landing a top pick. Here’s a look at the current draft order and the outcomes that would benefit the Vikings:
1. NY Giants (2-11) vs. Washington – Loss (2-12)
2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) at Philadelphia – Win (3-11)
3. Tennessee Titans (2-11) at 49ers – Win (3-11)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-10) at Chicago – Win (4-10)
5. New Orleans Saints (3-10) vs. Carolina – Win (4-10)
6. Washington Commanders (3-10) at NY Giants – Win (4-10)
7. NY Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville – Win (4-10)
8. Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Houston – Win (4-10)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9) vs. Baltimore – Win (5-9)
10. Atlanta Falcons (4-9) at Tampa Bay – Win (5-9)
11. Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at Dallas – Loss (5-9)
12. Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Pittsburgh – Win (7-7)
13. Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at Cincinnati – Loss (6-8)
14. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) vs. LA Chargers – Win (7-7)
In a perfect scenario where everything aligns, the top three picks would still remain with the Giants, Raiders, and Titans. However, the Vikings would find themselves in a tie with the Falcons and Bengals, all only one game ahead of teams like the Browns, Saints, Commanders, Jets, and Cardinals. This would technically place Minnesota at the 10th pick due to their head-to-head results against these teams.
Playoff Elimination and Draft Strategy
Should the Bears secure a victory over the Browns in an early game on Sunday, the Vikings will officially be eliminated from playoff contention. At that juncture, winning serves no purpose for Minnesota’s draft positioning. Fans may want to shift their focus to hoping for player health and the development of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, while also embracing the idea of a loss.
This scenario becomes particularly crucial if rumors surrounding Joe Burrow’s potential trade from the Bengals gain traction. If Burrow were to request a move, the Vikings would benefit greatly from possessing a high-value draft pick to offer in a trade package, especially if they are considering a bold move for one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Looking Ahead
While a top-10 pick remains within reach for the Vikings, achieving a higher selection will depend on the league’s struggling teams securing victories in the final weeks of the season. For Minnesota, the focus may soon shift from playoff aspirations to securing the best possible future for the franchise.
