NFC Playoff Picture: Vikings don’t get help on Sunday

DETROIT,MICHIGAN-NOVEMBER 1: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings follows the play during the first half of an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 1, 2026 (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings could have moved back into first place on Sunday with some help. They didn’t get it. The San Francisco 49ers shellacked the Raiders to stay in first place in the NFC. The Vikings will need a Monday night win to keep pace with San Fran. The rest of the NFC North did the Vikings no favors. The Packers and Lions both won their games. The Bears also won on Sunday night. In addition to the division race, that’s the entire wild card picture, too. The NFC North has four teams in the playoffs right now. Outside the current playoff spots, the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and Dallas Cowboys all won, too. The pressure is on. NFC playoff pi