The Vikings’ Playoff Outlook | MIN's Quest to Climb Up to 4-0 Meets Miami

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As hard as it is to believe, the Vikings’ playoff outlook is slowly becoming more real. Getting past the game today will mean having roughly 25% of the season in the past.

So, this weekly piece is becoming increasingly important.

The 3-0 Vikings are going up against the 0-3 Dolphins. Presumably, most onlookers are predicting a particular outcome: an easy Vikings victory. What needs to arrive is the reality of the game. Consider the reality of past games to better prepare for what’s to come.

The Vikings’ Playoff Outlook | Still Perfect and MIN Feels So Good

Vikings Game Info:

The Vikings will host the Dolphins on Sunday, October 4th inside of U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT. The game takes place inside of U.S. Bank Stadium.

NFC Conference Rankings:

San Francisco 49ers: 3-0
Minnesota Vikings: 3-0
Seattle Seahawks: 2-1
Philadelphia Eagles: 2-1
Chicago Bears: 2-1
New York Giants: 2-1
Detroit Lions: 2-1
Arizona Cardinals: 1-2
Los Angeles Rams: 1-2
New Orleans Saints: 1-2
Carolina Panthers: 1-2
Dallas Cowboys: 1-2
Green Bay Packers: 1-2
Atlanta Falcons: 1-2
Washington Commanders: 1-2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 0-3

1 Game to Watch:

Rams QB Matthew Stafford and Cardinals QB Kyler Murray embrace after a game — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) embrace at midfield after their game on Sept. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

I’ll say Rams and Eagles. Both came into the 2026 with massive expectations. In fact, the LA Rams were many people’s top pick for the Super Bowl, a prediction that could still end up being proven correct. Neither sits in a positive spot right now and are therefore coming into the game with lots of pressure.

The NFL Prophets, Prognosticators, and Pundits:

The brain trust at Sports Illustrated offers a unanimous Vikings selection.

Likewise, the NFL website sees a lot of purple ink get spilled. Consider some of the rationale from Bobby Kownack: “Generally, a good rule of thumb is to go with the 3-0 team over the 0-3 one. Minnesota would be the correct pick regardless of records, though. The Vikings offense, which currently sits last in the league in yards, should be in line for a reprieve against a porous Miami squad.”

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