Even before the Vikings took on the Chicago Bears at US Bank Stadium on Monday night, they had already secured a spot in the playoffs.

It is the second time the Vikings have reached the playoffs under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The assist went to the rival Green Bay Packers, who posted a 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday night. This mathematically ensured that the Vikings would make the playoffs one way or another.

Now the Vikings have their sights set on the NFC North crown.

However, with the Deroit Lions coming off a 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon, the Vikings were in position to move into a tie for first place in the NFC North as long as they beat the Buffalo Bills Bears took care of the business.

Technically, the Vikings control their own destiny at this point, as they play the Lions in the final game of the regular season.

There’s also still a chance the Vikings could get the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

It will be a battle between the Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles that will most likely come down to the wire.

The remaining dates at a glance

• The Vikings (11-2) play the Bears (4-9), the Seahawks (8-6), the Packers (10-4) and the Lions (12-2).

• Lions (12-2) play the Bears (4-9), San Francisco 49ers (6-8) and Vikings (11-2)

• Eagles (12-2) play against the Washington Commanders (9-5), Dallas Cowboys (6-8) and New York Giants (2-12)

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