The Vikings are not playing on Thanksgiving, but the games that day still matter for the NFC playoff race. Three matchups could shift the standings: Packers at Lions, Chiefs at Cowboys and Bengals at Ravens.
For Vikings fans the smartest rooting plan is simple. Cheer for the Packers and the Chiefs.
The Packers game might feel strange to root for because Green Bay is seven three and one while Detroit is seven four. But Minnesota already has a win over the Lions. If the Vikings somehow make a late push and finish with the same record as Detroit, that head to head win helps them. So it is better for the Vikings if Detroit drops closer to Minnesota in the standings.
The second game is easier to understand. Root for the Chiefs. The Cowboys are another NFC team fighting for playoff position. If Kansas City beats them it helps Minnesota’s chances a little.
The final game between the Bengals and Ravens does not affect the Vikings at all. You can simply watch for fun, root for whichever quarterback you like more or skip it and call it a night.
