The Vikings’ Playoff Outlook | MIN Trying to Overcome Another NFC North Foe

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears — Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

To be clear, the Vikings’ playoff outlook is still in its infancy. What’s nevertheless true: a win in September counts just as much as a win in December.

Minnesota will therefore be counting ’em up with the aim of having enough to qualify for the tournament to end the NFL season. At 1-0 and on the way to tango with the 1-0 Bears, the Vikings are looking to put the division on notice that they’re for real in 2026. Climbing up to first in the division at 2-0 would be an early statement.

The Vikings’ Playoff Outlook | So You’re Saying There’s a Chance

Vikings Game Info:

Bears QB Caleb Williams against the Vikings in 2025 — Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) under center for a snap during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings
at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings will travel to Chicago for a Sunday, September 20th game. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT.

NFC Conference Rankings:

San Francisco 49ers: 1-0
Seattle Seahawks: 1-0
Minnesota Vikings: 1-0
Chicago Bears: 1-0
Arizona Cardinals: 1-0
Philadelphia Eagles: 1-0
New York Giants: 1-0
Detroit Lions: 1-1
Green Bay Packers: 0-1
Atlanta Falcons: 0-1
New Orleans Saints: 0-1
Carolina Panthers: 0-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 0-1
Dallas Cowboys: 0-1
Washington Commanders: 0-1
Los Angeles Rams: 0-1

1 Game to Watch:

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams — Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA;
Les Snead, general manager of the Los Angeles Rams shakes the hand of quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) following a game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Keep an eye on the Giants and Rams on Monday Night Football. After a pile of hype, Los Angeles stunk in Australia. Part of the issue was edge rusher Myles Garrett playing poorly; he’s now injured and unavailable. Aaron Donald seems likely to make his return. Can LA figure things out? I won’t bet against them.

The NFL Prophets, Prognosticators, and Pundits:

NFL: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings — Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) following a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The folks over at ESPN all think that the Bears will win.

So do I, for whatever it’s worth.

Benjamin Solak predicts that the game will make for good viewing: “There isn’t a more fun schematic matchup in the entire league than Johnson versus Flores. This is Round 7 of their showdown. With a bad Bears defense on the other side of the ball, there should be explosive plays everywhere.”

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.