The success of 2024 arrived by surprise, and now coaches are focused on wringing as much from the opportunity as possible. “Finish what we got to finish,” that’s the message for three more weeks.

If the Vikings win their remaining three games, they're in great position to earn the No. 1 seed, regardless of what the Eagles or Lions do.

The Vikings have seen their defensive prowess slip in the second half of the schedule but remain relentless in their pursuit of pressure. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores dials up the blitz more than any team in the NFL, which has boiled down to the fourth-highest pressure rate and 42 sacks on the season (tied for fourth).