The Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 13 as the only team with a chance to clinch a postseason spot this weekend. Following Dallas' win over Washington on Thursday night, an Eagles win on Sunday night would give them the NFC East title.
The Vikings look to soon join them in that conversation, although Minnesota will have to wait until at least next week at the earliest. In order for that to happen, it will take the Vikings taking care of their own business in Atlanta while receiving a little help around the league this weekend as well.
The following three games from this weekend have the biggest impact on the Vikings postseason possibilities.
Detroit Lions (6-5) at Baltimore Ravens (6-5) | Noon (CT) | M&T Bank Stadium
The Baltimore Ravens have surged recently, winning three of their past four games since they lost to the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. They host the Lions after beating the Houston Texans 23-16 on Monday night. Their defense has led the way, pitching two shutouts over the course of their past four games.
The Lions, who sit three games back in the NFC North, enter the game hanging on to their playoff hopes. A win would keep their hopes alive for both a Wild Card spot or the division crown. A loss coupled with a Vikings win would move the Vikings one game closer to wrapping up the division and hosting at least one game in the postseason.
Carolina Panthers (8-3) at New Orleans Saints (8-3) | 3:25 p.m. (CT) | Mercedes-Benz Superdome
For the second straight week, the New Orleans Saints are facing off against another a team that is right in the thick of the NFC playoff race. After falling to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday, the Saints head home to take on division-rival Carolina. In Week 3, the Saints knocked off the Panthers 34-13.
The Panthers enter the game looking to extend their four-game winning streak and take sole possession of first place in the NFC South heading into their Week 14 home game against the Vikings.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) at Seattle Seahawks (7-4) | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | CenturyLink Field
The Eagles head to Seattle looking to punch their ticket for the postseason. A win Sunday night would give them the division and would keep Seattle out of the NFC West lead for another week.
However, an Eagles loss would tighten the race for home-field advantage in the NFC with four weeks to go and would keep Seattle right in the hunt for another NFC West title.
