Dec 17, 2022 Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa Minnesota Vikings functioning back Dalvin Cook dinner. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-United states Nowadays Athletics.One thing Was Shed in Shuffle of Vikings Mad Acquire
The Minnesota Vikings underwent a regeneration on Saturday that a planarian would admire.
Down 33 details at halftime, the Vikings barnstormed the 3rd and 4th Quarters, as well as overtime, to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in a single of the daffiest sporting contests imaginable. Kirk Cousins dimed 417 passing yards and 4 touchdown passes in the 2nd Fifty percent, and the yardage mark was the most by a participant in the 2nd Half of a activity in 45 a long time.
Wowzers.
A little something Was Dropped in Shuffle of Vikings Ridiculous Win
But even though the comeback was amazing — effectively, entirely impressive — a little something was practically lost in the shuffle. Due to the fact the Vikings received the NFC North with the win in excess of Indianapolis, they’ll host a dwelling playoff game for the initial time considering that the Minneapolis Wonder.
The Vikings ownership opened the glass place, U.S. Financial institution Stadium, in 2016. And in 6 seasons, the franchise has played just one particular playoff video game in the creating, a depressing statistic because the crew is very very good at dwelling. In point, considering that the joint opened, Minnesota owns the NFL’s fourth-greatest homefield advantage, with a 39-18 (.684) cumulative record at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Comparatively, the Vikings are gangbusters at residence, but the squad has played just one playoff activity at house given that 2016. It is wild.
Nicely, the mini-drought is kaput. Minnesota is confirmed to enjoy at U.S. Lender Stadium, possible on Wildcard Weekend, from the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, or Washington Commanders. Those are the groups competing for the NFC’s sixth and seventh seeds, and the Vikings will in all probability snag the No. 2 or 3 location.
Then, depending on the result of Vikings-Lions, Vikings-Giants, Vikings-Seahawks, or Vikings-Commanders, Minnesota could host two video games at U.S Lender Stadium in the postseason. The only “catch” is that Minnesota ought to gain the to start with recreation, of study course.
All round, for context, that was the degree of wildness on display from the Colts. The Vikings traveled again from down 33 points to get 39-66. People had been so mesmerized, shocked, and befuddled that guaranteeing a property playoff game was a footnote — if that can be considered.
Assuming the Vikings dangle onto the No. 2 seed — which is a big assumption due to the fact the San Francisco 49ers search hotter than Loss of life Valley — they’d possibly participate in the Lions in Spherical 1. However, Sunday night’s activity concerning the Commanders and Giants will explain reduced-seed NFC situational status.
The Vikings consider on people pretty Giants following Saturday — Xmas Eve — in a video game that no practical lover is aware of what to assume. Minnesota could bully the Giants, fresh off the steam of upending the Colts. Or — the Vikings could get down 33- at halftime, and handful of supporters would bat an eye.
Which is the 2022 Vikings, a flummoxing batch of goodness interlaced with “what is even likely on” on vibes all through fairly a lot every single video game.
Even now, the confounding group will host a residence playoff recreation in January. It can’t be stripped.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his day by day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs just about every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back again to 1996. Outlined responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Product, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doorways (the band).