MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings have secured a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

With the Green Bay Packers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, the Vikings officially punched their ticket to the postseason.

Although Minnesota has secured a spot in the playoffs, the team can’t fully rest its starters just yet. The NFC North is still very much in play, the Detroit Lions have a game in hand and a potential showdown to win the division in Week 18.

The Vikings missed the playoffs last season with a 7-10 record due to injuries to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. But in 2022, O’Connell’s first year at the helm, the team went 13-4, won the NFC North and secured third place in the standings. In the wildcard round, the Vikings lost to the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones – who now wears purple and gold after the Giants benched and then released him earlier this season.

The playoff berth is a bit surprising considering the Vikings’ outward appearance this season. After Running cousins in free agency, under contract with Sam Darnold and as a drafter JJ McCarthythis was viewed as a rebuilding year for Minnesota. But Surprisingly strong game from Darnold coupled with a stifling defense, they have a firm place in the conversation with their rivals.