The Vikings‘ playoff dreams teeter on the edge of uncertainty. Kirk Cousins, the essential quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, faces a potentially season-ending Achilles tendon injury— a setback that threatens to disrupt their postseason ambitions. Cousins’ Achilles took a fateful turn during the showdown against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 30, 2023.

However, there is still a possibility for the Vikings to reach the playoffs even if Kirk Cousins is not playing. And even though the situation might be challenging due to Kirk Cousins’ absence, the odds might seem to be in favor of the team. This is especially true given the recent clash of the team and their determination on the field.

Vikings’ playoff hopes stay

After reports, Fox Sports, David Helman aptly summed up the sentiment. He wrote, “It’s a sh**ty moment for the [Minnesota] Vikings…It wasn’t hard to imagine them in the NFC playoff picture with how Kirk was playing lately.” However, even without Cousins, hope flickers. According to NFL on CBS, there’s a surprisingly marginal disparity in win projections for the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s odds remain steady, a testament to their resilience.

Statistics lend credence to this optimism; with Cousins at the helm, they notch up an average of 8.3 wins, securing a 48.8% chance of playoff entry. In his absence, the odds shift slightly, with an average of 7.4 wins and a 43.5% chance of making the playoffs.

Though the road ahead may be steeper without Cousins, the Vikings’ grit and determination persist. The playoffs are within their grasp, a testament to the strength of the team as a whole. However, only time will tell how the results will pay out for each member.

Upcoming challenges for the Vikings  

Kirk Cousins’ injury marks a pivotal moment for the Vikings. Despite the adversity of Kirk’s absence, unexpected victories against the 49ers and Packers have propelled them back into contention. Thus, currently, boasting a 4-4 record.

READ MORE – “Absolutely Bummed”: Pat McAfee Shares Heartache for Kirk Cousins’ Severe Injury During Packers vs. Vikings Showdown

While a swift evaluation confirmed the worst, a tear that could bench him for the rest of the season, things aren’t completely over for the Vikings. Additionally, in his absence, a rookie fifth-round pick from BYU, Jaren Hall, took the reins with 7:15 left on the clock. The Minnesota Vikings have three upcoming games:

Week 9: On Sunday, November 5th, they will play against the Atlanta Falcons at 12:00 PM CST.

Week 10: On Sunday, November 12th, they will face the New Orleans Saints at 12:00 PM CST.

Week 11: On Sunday, November 19th, they will be on the road, playing against the Denver Broncos at 7:20 PM CST. So, keep rooting for the Vikings and their star QB, Kirk Cousins, for a positive injury update till then. And if not, the Vikings will still be hopeful of that slight push toward the play-offs.

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