The Minnesota Vikings are still technically in the playoff picture prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers. They will need to win on Sunday to realistically stay in the playoff hunt.

The team ranks No. 11 in the NFC standings and closer to the postseason than the bottom of the NFC. The team's 2-1 divisional record against playoff contenders in the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears has preserved their current standing despite last week's loss to Chicago in their second matchup.

Despite the team's 4-6 start, the Vikings benefit from a wide-open NFC in 2025. Here's a look at the standings heading into Week 12.

1. Philadelphia Eagles 8-2
2. Los Angeles Rams 8-2
3. Chicago Bears 7-3
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-3
5. Seattle Seahawks 7-3
6. Green Bay Packers 6-3-1
7. San Francisco 49ers 7-4
8. Detroit Lions 6-4
9. Carolina Panthers 6-5
10. Dallas Cowboys 4-5-1
11. Minnesota Vikings 4-6

The Vikings are the cutoff for real playoff contention for now. They join the Dallas Cowboys as the top two teams with losing record on the year.

Here's a look at how we'll tier the teams through their first 10 or 11 games.

Near Playoff Locks

The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams stand as the teams most solidly in the playoff race. Barring an epic collapse, the teams are likely safe at 8-2 to make the playoff field though we've seen shocking falls from teams who had such a fast start.

In their favor, Philadelphia and Los Angeles benefit from schematic advantage and great personnel. Both teams are stacked with talent from top to bottom and have great offensive schemes to get on the scoreboard when needed. They will be the two most likely teams to get the top seed.

Likely in the Playoffs

Checking in at 7-3, we will probably see all three of the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL playoffs this season. All have been consistent at winning games when it matters most.

Each of the teams have exceeded expectations at quarterback with Seattle among the more surprising of the three.

On the Cusp

Green Bay, San Francisco, Detroit and Carolina are all in prime position to claim a spot in the postseason with winning records so far. Minnesota will look to knock Green Bay back to the pack on Sunday.

San Francisco looked to have returned to form in a 41-22 win over the Cardinals.

Precariously Grasping Contention

Minnesota and Dallas may have losing records but they're not yet eliminated. Both have pivotal matchups this week as they take on rivals currently in the playoff field.

While Minnesota faces the Green Bay Packers, Dallas takes on the Philadelphia Eagles. A win could separate either of Minnesota or Dallas from the other.