Updated NFC Playoff Picture after Vikings complete historic NFL comeback

December 18, 2022 ndowd

The Minnesota Vikings completed the largest comeback in NFL history, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime in Week 15. Here’s what the NFC playoff picture looks like.

The Minnesota Vikings entered Week 15 with a shot to clinch the NFC North title for the first time since 2017. All they had to do was defeat the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, and it would be theirs. If not, they would need to root for the New York Jets to defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The odds were in their favor, as the Colts were on a three-game losing streak entering Week 15.

It wasn’t easy for the Vikings, but they got the W and the NFC North title. After trailing 33-0 at halftime, the Vikings forced overtime and ultimately defeated the Colts 39-36 in overtime.

Minnesota couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start. Indianapolis got off to the start of starts, kicking a field goal on their opening drive, and blocking a punt by Minnesota and returning it for a touchdown to take a very early 10-0 lead.

The Vikings attempted to come back in the second half, as they cut their deficit to 36-28. They seemingly had a chance to tie the game after running back Deon Jackson fumbled, which was then recovered by cornerback Chandon Sullivan for a touchdown. However, the referees ruled the play dead after blowing the whistle, even though Jackson fumbled the football while he was still on his feat. To make matters worse, Sullivan was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing what was a bad call by the officials.

Yet, the Vikings forced overtime after a 64-yard catch-and-run touchdown by running back Dalvin Cook, and converted the two-point attempt on a Cousins pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson.

With just seven seconds remaining in overtime, Greg Joseph was able to kick a 40-yard field goal to give Minnesota the victory and the division championship.

With this epic win, fans are probably wondering what the playoff picture in the NFC looks like. We have you covered.

NFC Playoff Picture after Vikings beat Colts in Week 15 on Saturday

Here’s what the NFC playoff picture looks like after Minnesota’s massive win on Saturday:

Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) — Clinched playoff berth
Minnesota Vikings (11-3) — Clinched playoff berth
San Francisco 49ers (10-4) — Clinched playoff berth
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)
Dallas Cowboys (10-3)
Washington Commanders (7-5-1)
New York Giants (7-5-1)

Based on these standings, here is what the first-round playoff matchups would look like. Remember, the top seed receives a first-round bye. In this case, that would go to the Philadelphia Eagles if the season were to end today.