NFL Playoff Picture: How can the Minnesota Vikings clinch an NFC playoff spot?

Given that Kevin O'Connell is poised to guide the Minnesota Vikings to postseason games in his debut season as head coach, it will be difficult for any side to stop them right now. Minnesota didn't make the postseason in three of the previous four years, but this year's performance has demonstrated that the team is now prepared to advance.

After defeating the New York Jets last weekend, the Minnesota Vikings might have guaranteed their spot in the playoffs. Still, the game's outcome between the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars prevented that from happening. They needed the Jaguars to win that game to secure their spot in the playoffs.

By defeating the Jets 27-22, the Vikings improved to 10-2. The Vikings led 20-6 at halftime on two touchdown runs by Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison in the first half. The Jets failed to grab the advantage despite repeated comeback attempts. The Jets advanced across the field following a punt by the Vikings, but Cameron Bynum's interception on a 4th down play gave the Vikings the victory.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, the Lions defeated the Jaguars 40-14, delaying Minnesota's chances of locking their place in the playoffs for another week.

The Vikings currently have a 10-2 record, five wins better than the second-placed Detroit Lions, but they have yet to capture the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings are in second place in the NFC, one win behind the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-10 on Sunday to move to 11-1. The Eagles now possess the top NFC seed and, thanks to their victory against the Vikings in Week 2, they also hold a tiebreaker edge over Minnesota.

When the Vikings play the Detroit Lions next week, they can clinch the NFC North with a win.

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The Minnesota Vikings' cruise into the playoffs

With a 10-2 performance, Kevin O'Connell has his team five games ahead of the Lions in the second spot. Those 10 victories have already surpassed what the Vikings have amassed over the previous two seasons.

The Vikings will almost certainly be among the seven NFC franchises to qualify for the NFL Playoffs with such a huge lead. However, they can formally confirm it in Week 14.