Speaking of Sports

By John Fragodt, Sports Reporter

With just two games left in the NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings look like a team of destiny.  The Vikings have won a record 11 games by one score and are 12-3 overall heading into their final two games against Green Bay and Chicago.

The Vikings would like nothing better than to knock the Packers out of the playoffs.  Green Bay started out 4-8, but is now a couple more wins away from grabbing one of the final playoff berths in the NFC after winning three-straight games.

The NFL changed the playoff format last season, going from 12 teams to 14 teams that will make the playoffs, including seven from each league.

The Vikings will be seeded second in the NFC if they can win their final two games.  Two years ago, that would have earned them a first-round playoff bye, but now, the Vikings would have to play the seventh-seed, which could be the Packers . . . unless Minnesota sends them home early.

A total of 44 percent of the NFL teams make the playoffs.  While I might think that’s a bit too many, it also keeps up the excitement through the entire NFL season and gives a lot of teams chances at the making the playoffs until the very last game.

Right now, Philadelphia (13-2) would be seeded first, while the other division leaders are the Vikings (12-3), San Francisco (11-4) and Tampa Bay (7-8).  Dallas (11-4) and the New York Giants (8-6-1) have the edge for the first two wildcard berths, but one more is up for grabs and among the teams battling for it are Washington (7-7-1), Detroit (7-8), Green Bay (7-8) and Seattle (7-8).  Even Carolina and New Orleans (both 6-9), who are one game back of Tampa Bay, have a shot at making the playoffs.

In the AFC, Buffalo (12-3), Cincinnati (11-4) and Kansas City (12-3) are leading their divisions and are shoe-ins for making the playoffs, while Jacksonville and Tennessee (both 7-8) are battling for the AFC South lead.  In the hunt for wildcard berths are Baltimore (10-5), Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) and Miami (8-7), although several 7-8 teams are also in the running.  Go Vikings!