NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: 49ers win thriller over Saints, Chiefs stake claim

7. Minnesota Vikings (10)

Even though the results weren’t the same from the first meeting, all that matters for the Minnesota Vikings is they managed to defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday to continue being in control of their own playoff destiny in the NFC.

Leading up to the contest, the Vikings were hoping to take advantage of the Lions being down to their third-string quarterback in David Blough, and while the defense certainly did an amazing job by limited Detroit to seven points, the offense was a different story.

Yes, Minnesota can use the argument of the unit dealing with injuries, but it was surprising to watch the offense struggle the way they did against the Lions by only putting up 20 points.

But most importantly, all the Vikings truly care about from Sunday’s game is they earned the win to remain in control of their playoff destiny since this is the most important factor of all after coming up short last season.

Whether it happens to be the No. 6 seed or simply winning the NFC North over the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota will take a playoff berth anyway they can at this point, although winning the division would obviously be the main preference.