As you’ve probably heard, the Palisades wildfires in California are causing chaos, tens of thousands, of people out of their homes. There’s even talk that the game might need to be relocated. The NFL already has a backup plan ready to go if that happens.

Palisades Fire might force Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams to be moved to Glendale

UPDATE: Vikings vs Rams was officially moved to Glendale just hours after this article was posted.

The Palisades fire has already disrupted several professional sports events. On Wednesday night, the NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames game. Now, the NBA has followed suit, announcing that the Lakers vs. Hornets game on Thursday is also being postponed.

Since it’s the NFL playoffs, there’s no chance they’ll postpone the game. Instead, they’ll just switch locations. On Wednesday, they announced that if a move is necessary, the game will be played in Glendale, Arizona, at the Cardinals’ home stadium.

Today, we got a small update, smoke was seen near the Rams’ practice facility. It’s worth noting that the facility is about 30 miles away from SoFi Stadium, where the Vikings vs. Rams game will take place.

We can now see smoke from the Rams’ facility. pic.twitter.com/9F54j8RcZm

— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) January 9, 2025

The Rams are cancelling open locker room after practice to let the players get home as a new fire breaks out, The Kenneth Fire

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 9, 2025

This isn’t just a little puff of smoke, it’s massive and really noticeable. If these fires aren’t brought under control soon, the situation could escalate. With the smoke growing even larger and possibly drifting closer to SoFi Stadium. While the stadium does have a roof, its open-air design could still make things challenging.

The Rams have officially canceled open locker room after practice now, to allow the players to get home from practice as new fire breaks out, and is not being contained.

Related: Falcons Struggling to Find Answers for Their Self-Inflicted Kirk Cousins Conundrum

The NFL has made it clear that the Rams earned home field advantage by winning their division, and they’re doing everything they can to keep the game in LA. However, there could come a point where they’ll be pressured to move it, especially with the NBA and NHL already postponing games.

Sean McVay says no Rams players have been affected so far

It’s also important to point out that Rams head coach Sean McVay mentioned a few employees were affected by the fire, but luckily, no players or coaches were harmed (yet). This could put some pressure on the NFL to keep the game in LA if this stands.

Sean McVay still expects the Rams’ playoff game to be in Inglewood. He says a few Rams employees have been affected by the fires, but no players or coaches were in an affected area.

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) January 9, 2025

Optics of keeping the game in LA

It’s probably not a great look for the NFL to continue saying that the game will still be held in Los Angeles. With thousands of people being forced to evacuate the area, the idea of playing a football game at Sofi Stadium is most probably the last thing on resident’s minds. Kevin Seifert of ESPN, released a quote from Minnesota Vikings NFLPA player representative and DT Harrison Phillips, speaking on the importance of the image that continuing to play the game through a disaster gives to the community.

Vikings DL Harrison Phillips, the team's NFLPA player rep, had some measured words today about the possibility of playing in Monday night in a region that is still ablaze as of Thursday afternoon: pic.twitter.com/SPr1P70AF5

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 9, 2025

A decision will need to be made quickly since the game is just a few days away. It’s expected that a choice will come soon, but as the clock ticks down, it looks more likely the game will take place in LA, though only time will tell. Another factor is the public image of keeping the game as planned, so we’ll see how Roger Goodell decides to play this. It seems like only a matter of time before the game is officially moved, but to be determined.

NFL provides statement on Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams

Due to the wildfires spreading throughout California, the NFL might be forced to move Monday night’s matchup between the Vikings and Rams. The fires are rapidly spreading towards Los Angeles and this could very well have an effect on the location for Monday’s game.

Statement from the NFL regarding the Rams-Vikings playoff game scheduled to be played Monday night in Los Angeles: “The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 8, 2025

Potential solutions

Of course, that may not be the case, given how many Minnesota Vikings fans reside in Arizona. But obviously, the optimal outcome would have the Minnesota Vikings squaring off against the Los Angeles Rams in their scheduled Monday night Wild Card game in Los Angeles. Should the game need relocating, though, the NFL has officially chosen Arizona as the emergency site.

NEW YORK — Jan. 8, 2025 — The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.

We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.

We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.

NFL Statement on Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams game

The Arizona Cardinals, having concluded their season, have an available stadium ready to host Vikings vs Rams, if necessary. The proximity of Arizona to Los Angeles simplifies travel for fans, ensuring the game remains, in a technical sense, a home fixture for the Rams, even if played away from their usual turf.

Related: Lone Minnesota Viking Makes NFLPA All-Pro Team

How this could impact the Minnesota Vikings

The Palisades wildfires are a grave concern in California, far outweighing the significance of any football game. The Minnesota Vikings have issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims. Given the situation, if the game has to be relocated, it definitely could adversely affect the Vikings.

Travel and practice schedules are crucial for NFL teams on the road, and a last-minute change could disrupt any preparations. However, this scenario might also have a silver lining for the Vikings, in terms of a competitive advantage.

Related: NFL Expert Predicts Trade That Would Fix Minnesota Vikings Future DB Problem

Should the game be moved to a new location, especially a place like Glendale, AZ, it’s almost certainly to lead to more Minnesota Vikings fans. These circumstances are beyond any person’s control, and it is important that the NFL has a contingency plan in place. We’ll keep you posted on whether or not the league is forced into such a drastic measure.

Las Vegas or Arizona seem like the most logical places to host this game if LA is unable, and they could most likely keep it at the same time. The Minnesota Vikings must be ready for any changes to be made, as the call could be made at any time.

On Sunday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-13, a win that didn’t just help the 10-4 Packers’ chances of making the NFL Playoffs, but a win that officially clinched a postseason spot for their division rival Vikings.

Playoff berth clinched ✅https://t.co/EXg2ISGZv9 pic.twitter.com/f6HxfS5qXb

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2024

So, now that our favorite football team is officially in the 2024-25 NFC playoff bracket, what’s next? That’s a great question, because the Minnesota Vikings still have four games remaining on their 2024 schedule (including tonight’s bout vs the Bears). And there is a lot left to be decided, prior to playoff seeds becoming final.

Minnesota Vikings hold their own NFC destiny after clinching 2024 playoff spot

But wait, there is more good news. The Packers weren’t the only NFC North rival to help the Vikings out, over the weekend. So did the Detroit Lions, who dropped to 12-2 on Sunday afternoon, after suffering a 48-42 loss vs MVP favorite Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

Now… as long as the Minnesota Vikings win tonight, there will be three 12-2 NFC teams, entering week 16 — the Eagles, Lions and Vikings. The NFL’s tiebreaker scenarios are not easy to understand, but even if the Eagles and Vikings both win out, it is believed Minnesota holds the playoff tiebreaker between the two teams.

That is confirmed by ESPN’s “Playoff Machine”, which places the Vikings as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, should both teams finish 15-2. That means, by all accounts, the Minnesota Vikings hold their own playoff destiny, including for the No. 1 overall seed.

So, if Kevin O’Connell & Co can win out, the Vikings will be 2024 NFC North Champions and get the only first round bye in the NFC for 2024-25. What about the Detroit Lions?

Related: NFL Exec: Talking Heads Do Not Understand How Much Vikings Love JJ McCarthy

Remember, Minnesota and Detroit play each other in week 18, the NFL regular season finale. If both teams are 14-2, entering that matchup, it will decide both the division and the regular season NFC Champion.

What’s the difference between winning the NFC North and getting a wildcard berth?

As fun as this season has been, it would be mostly for nothing, if the Vikings cannot catch the Lions. Finish behind Detroit, and the highest seed Minnesota can get is No. 5. That would mean no first round bye and no first round home game. Instead, they’d have to go on the road to Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Arizona or Tampa Bay.

The 4-9 Bears are losers of seven-straight games, and the 11-2 Vikings have won five-straight. But we know better than to get ahead of ourselves, in this sports town. Sure, everyone is picking Minnesota, and for good reason. But the pressure is now on tonight, in prime time.

Related: Stephon Gilmore Injury Update: Vikings CB1 Could Play vs Bears

The Vikings are at home, and they are playing a struggling, inferior opponent, that appears just as ready to play golf as they are football. Do your job, and the NFL world will be your oyster. But we’ve seen this story before. The purple are just -7 favorites, at home, too. That tells us Vegas is a bit leary too.

Of course, they could win. That’s the noble way to get in. Sam Darnold & Co are trying to catch the NFC North leading Detroit Lions, a 12-1 team that most fans and pundits consider the best in the league, when healthy.

If the Vikings beat the 4-9 Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football this week, not only would they clinch their playoff spot, but they’d also remain, at worst, one game behind the Lions, with one head-to-head matchup still left on the schedule.

Related: How to Watch NFL Playoffs​ in 2025

But there are other clinching scenarios for the Minnesota Vikings this week, where a win would not be required. And because Vikings vs Bears is the final game of week 15, it’s very possible they will be a playoff team before they take the U.S. Bank Stadium field at 7 PM on Monday.

In fact, the Vikings’ first clinching opportunity of week 15 comes tonight, on Thursday Night Football. Two West Coast NFC teams, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will kick off NFL’s week 15 slate of games and Vikings fans should tune-in.

Why is Thursday must-watch TV? Because if the Niners win (or tie) vs the Rams, the Minnesota Vikings are officially a 2024-25 playoff team (per NFL.com). The next chance for Minnesota to skate in will come on Sunday Night Football, when the Seattle Seahawks play the Green Bay Packers.

Minnesota Vikings clinch a playoff spot in week 15 if…

1. Vikings win or tie vs Bears — Monday, 7 PM
2. 49ers win or tie vs Rams — Thursday, 7:15 PM
3. Packers win or tie vs Seahawks — Sunday, 7:20 PM

Would you cheer for a Packers win if it gets the Vikings into the playoffs? If you don’t want to worry about that possibility, then you’d better hope for a 49ers victory tonight. But this week’s edition of Thursday Night Football is about more than Minnesota’s clinching scenarios.

Related: Vikings TE Explains What Kind of Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Is

The San Francisco 49ers need a victory vs their new West Coast rival if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. For the last half-decade, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, we’ve seen the Niners find their way into the playoffs, catch fire, and make deep runs that include two Super Bowl and two NFC Championship appearances.

But if they lose tonight, at home, the San Francisco 49ers will fall to 6-8, mostly killing their chances of making the playoffs. Outside of the NFC South, .500 won’t be good enough to make this year’s NFL playoff bracket. Lucky you, Kirk Cousins.

Vikings need 49ers to win and contend for playoffs

And guess who the Niners play in week 17? The Detroit Lions, who the Minnesota Vikings NEED to lose one more game, before the two division rivals play week 18, in a regular season finale that could decide the fate of the North.

Should that dream scenario occur, it’s very possible the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC and a first round bye would also be on the line. If Minnesota cannot surpass Detroit in the next four weeks, and win the division, they’ll settle for an NFC Wildcard, which would limit them to the No. 5 seed, at best.

Related: Former Vikings WR Finds a New Home

That would mean an opening round Wildcard Weekend road game (probably) against whoever wins the NFC South. Going into a hostile Atlanta or Tampa Bay doesn’t feel like a requisite way to reward one of the best teams in the league, but that’s life in the NFL if you can’t win your division.

So Minnesota Vikings fans need to be cheering for a San Francisco 49ers win tonight. Not just so the purple can clinch a playoff spot, but also so the Niners remain in the playoff race and, hopefully, put up the type of fight we know they are capable of in week 17, when they play the Lions just one week before the Vikings do.

Not just this week, but for the next few, we are big Niners fans here in Minnesota.

The Vikings had a shot at locking in a playoff spot in week 14 against Atlanta. They handled business against the Falcons, but things did not fall into place with the other games throughout the NFC that Minnesota needed. This week, however the path to clinching looks a whole lot more likely.

How can the Minnesota Vikings clinch a playoff spot vs the Chicago Bears?

The Minnesota Vikings’ most obvious path to securing a playoff spot this week is clear: win. A victory over the Chicago Bears at home on Monday night would guarantee their place in the postseason.

However, the Vikings could already have their playoff spot locked in by the time they play on Monday night. All they would need is for one of two things to happen: either the Rams lose to the 49ers on Thursday Night Football, or the Seahawks fall to the Packers on Sunday Night Football.

The #Vikings can officially clinch a playoff berth in week 15 with any of these following outcomes occurring (eliminated ties):

1) #Rams loss to #49ers on TNF OR

2) #Seahawks loss to #Packers on SNF OR

3) #Vikings win against #Bears pic.twitter.com/oxqL29jQzO

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) December 10, 2024

One would think that there is a good chance for at least one of those two teams to lose, which would lock in a Vikings playoff spot before Monday night. But if that does not happen, the Vikings will have the chance to clinch their playoff berth with the Minnesota faithful cheering them on at home.

Related: Former Minnesota Vikings Starting Wide Receiver Hits Waivers

The Vikings also have a real shot at locking in the 6th seed this week at the lowest, and honestly, it is more simple than most would expect. Here is what needs to happen:

• Vikings beat the Bears
• Saints beat Washington

If those two things happen, the Minnesota Vikings will lock in at least the 6th seed. With plenty of football left Minnesota is pushing for the #1 seed, but as Coach Kevin O’Connell always says they will be trying to go 1-0 this week.

As we roll into Week 14, everyone’s wondering if the Minnesota Vikings can secure a spot in the playoffs this week. The short answer? Yes, it’s possible, but they’ll need a bit of help from elsewhere on the scoreboard.

Here’s how the Minnesota Vikings can clinch a playoff spot in Week 14

First and foremost, the Minnesota Vikings need to handle their business at home against the Atlanta Falcons to get their record up to 11-2. After that, they’ll need some outside help – teams like the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams will need to lose their games too.

Clinching Scenarios:

• The Vikings must win against the Atlanta Falcons.
• The Arizona Cardinals must lose to the Seattle Seahawks.
• The Los Angeles Rams must lose to the Buffalo Bills.

If these three things happen, the Minnesota Vikings are all but guaranteed to secure at least the 7th seed in the NFL playoffs.

With several games still on the schedule, they’ve got a shot not only at clinching their division but also at snagging the #1 seed, which would mean a first-round bye.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Cut Two Veterans from Practice Squad; Pro Bowl LS Appears Ready to Return

The Minnesota Vikings are just one game behind the red-hot Detroit Lions, who stand at an impressive 11-1. With the Vikings set to face the Lions in Week 18, there’s a juicy possibility that this game could decide the NFC North title and even the coveted number one seed. We’re still a few weeks out, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the rest of the season unfolds.

The best team in the conference also happens to be the best team in Minnesota’s division, the 11-1 Detroit Lions. Because the Lions won, yet again, on Thanksgiving, the Vikings cannot take control of the North, no matter what happens between Minnesota and Arizona, or any other game left on the week 13 slate.

But that doesn’t mean this team doesn’t have playoff implications riding on a win. Of course, the Vikings and Lions still play one more time this season, in a week 18 finale that could decide, not just who wins the division, but who gets the number one seed in the playoffs, and a first round bye.

Minnesota Vikings can “essentially” clinch playoff spot vs Cardinals

Still, the main objective is making the postseason field, which includes seven teams from each conference. Four division winners, and three wildcards. Right now, according to projection models from both The Athletic and PlayoffStatus.com, the Minnesota Vikings have a 98% chance of making the playoffs. Pretty good odds, right?

Well, if they defeat the Arizona Cardinals, on Sunday, the Vikings would all but 100% secure their spot. It wouldn’t mathematically put them in, but it would put their odds at making the 2024 NFL Playoffs at >99%.

The Vikings can essentially “clinch” a playoff spot with a win Sunday. No, mathematically, it’s not 100%, but the amount of things that would need to fall into place for them to miss the playoffs is astronomical. On the other hand, the Vikings still have a chance at overtaking the Lions for the NFC North crown and have a real shot at securing the first-round bye.

Austin Mock – The Athletic

As long as the Lions continue to win, the Vikings need to win too. As previously mentioned, they defeated the Chicago Bears on Thursday, so Minnesota must win on Sunday, to keep their realistic hopes of winning the NFC North alive.

Vikings’ upcoming schedule should produce more wins

Finishing behind Detroit, when the dust settles on the 2024 NFL regular season, would mean no better than the 5-seed in the NFC playoff bracket, come January. According to The Athletic’s projection model, the Vikings have a 65% chance of beating the Cardinals this week, a 66% chance of defeating the Falcons next week and a 76% chance of beating the Bears in week 15.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Make Jones Signing Official, Add Recently Cut UDFA to Practice Squad Too

All of those games are at home. Then, they close the regular season with @ Seahawks (51%), home vs Packers (51%) and @ Lions (35%). But first thing is first, and the Minnesota Vikings can pretty much seal their slot in the NFL playoff bracket Sunday, with a win.

How much winning do the Minnesota Vikings have in them?

Through the first eight games of their season the Minnesota Vikings have six wins. They started undefeated through five games, and rebounded after dropping a couple to great offenses. This weekend against Jacksonville the Vikings could surpass their preseason projected win total. They will get a chance to do so while facing another backup quarterback. It’s time to adjust expectations, and The Athletic’s Alec Lewis is putting his neck on the line.

“Minnesota’s next six games are against the Jaguars, Titans, Bears, Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Bears. All are winnable. Using DVOA, a metric that accounts for strength of schedule, the Vikings rate higher than all six opponents. Win a handful of those games and they’ll creep closer to that total of 11. A playoff game would almost certainly follow, and the combination of Jefferson and a one-off Flores game plan would give the Vikings a solid chance at a victory.”

Alec Lewis on the Vikings win total (The Athletic)

It’s hard to see how Minnesota wouldn’t reach double-digit wins at this point. They performed admirably against a much more difficult slate to start, and there are some bottom-feeders left to feast on. 11 wins would mean Minnesota finished 5-4 in their final nine games. That would seem to be something of a letdown given the competition, so suggesting even more may not be a wild reality.

What a catch by Vikings WR Jordan Addison for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/YgPBfevz4t

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 4, 2024

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 10 Matchup vs Jaguars

Kevin O’Connell looks primed to be the NFL Coach of the Year for the first time in his career. How well he can set his team up the rest of the way will continue to stack the deck in his favor. We have seen an exceptional ability to gameplan thus far, and knocking off an opponent in the postseason is something he seems poised to do this year. O’Connell has kept the opposition on their toes, and he can do that in a big way in the form of a playoff victory.

Clutch catch to put us up two scores.

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/uB33daBUE4

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 4, 2024

Related: Vikings’ Rookie QB Not a Lock to Start in 2025?

An 11-win, or more, season wasn’t supposed to be in the cards for Minnesota. They have continued to show up on a weekly basis, and betting against them rising above at this point seems foolish.

Then, the losing resurfaced for a few weeks, before they found a way to beat the Raiders 3-0 in Las Vegas, just to give another game away in week 15 vs the Cincinnati Bengals.

In week 16, the Vikings hosted the Detroit Lions for a very important division game on Christmas Eve. Mullens threw four interceptions and the Vikings lost 30-24, officially foiling their hopes of winning the NFC North and sending their playoff odds plummeting, yet again.

Jaren Hall didn’t fare any better in week 17 vs the Green Bay Packers. After getting his second start of the season and struggling, he was pulled at halftime and Mullens was re-inserted as QB1 for the 2nd half of a blow out loss vs Green Bay that all but eliminated them from playoff contention.

And even with some fans cheering for the loss and better draft position, the Vikings still had a chance for some magic to happen in week 18. Nick Mullens could not move the ball well enough and even with a killer 2nd half for guys like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Lions were just too much for the Vikings. The Vikings no longer have a chance at the playoffs.

Related: 7 Biggest Questions Minnesota Vikings Must Answer This Offseason

NFC Playoff Picture Entering Wild Card Weekend

Exiting Week 18, Minnesota has been eliminated from playoff contention. This is the playoff picture with wild card weekend upcoming.

Related: Kirk Cousins Says He Will Consider Discount for Vikings

Current Minnesota Vikings playoff odds dead

Related: Vikings Land No. 11 Overall Pick in 2024 NFL Draft

If they had won in Detroit in their final game, their chances would have been higher, but they needed a lot to happen and unfortunately, none of that happened anyway. The Vikings would have needed to play much better in the weeks leading up to week 18 to have a chance.

Related: Nick Mullens Gets Emotional with Reporters After Vikings’ Season Ends in Detroit

Jordan Love is a legitimate starting quarterback in this league and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will make the Green Bay Packers an NFC North force to to be reckoned with for a decade or more, if he sticks around and remains healthy. Oh, and even Brian Flores can’t paint without paint brushes. The Vikings desperately need an influx of talent on defense.

Minnesota Vikings playoff hopes still alive…

But, even after the loss, Minnesota’s playoff hopes aren’t dead yet. The New York Times gives them a 3% chance at still backing into the postseason NFC bracket. The biggest factor holding them down is probably their own week 18 matchup vs the NFC North division champ, Detroit Lions.

Related: Justin Jefferson Will Push Vikings Toward Re-Signing Kirk Cousins, if Needed

If they can somehow come out on top in Detroit, though, their playoff scenario isn’t all that insane. In addition to a Vikings win next Sunday, Minnesota needs Green Bay, Seattle and one of the Bucs or Saints to lose too. Likely? No, but far from impossible too.

• Packers lose vs Bears
• Seahawks lose @ Cardinals
• Saints lose vs Falcons OR Bucs lose @ Panthers

Can Kevin O’Connell & Co beat the Lions and make any of the above matchups matter? That’s an entirely different conversation. But the NFL is one of the most redundant professional sports leagues in the world. “Any given Sunday” wasn’t created for propaganda’s sake.

Given the unlikelihood of making the postseason, let alone any chance at making a run, legitimate arguments can be made that the Vikings should play all backups vs Detroit. That way, they’d ‘help youngsters gain experience’ and possibly jump into the top-10 of April’s NFL Draft, with a loss.

Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup

But for the eternal optimist Vikings fans out there (they do exist), your playoff hopes aren’t dead yet.