NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Prior to the NFL trade deadline, the Vikings’ playoff outlook was mathematically optimistic but without much gusto or momentum. Adding Kirk Cousins changes that calculus.

On Monday Night Football, the Vikings submitted a dud of an effort on offense. Unsurprisingly, there was a move to rectify the issue by sending a 3rd to the Raiders to snag the 38-year-old Sin City quarterback. Minnesota will be rallying around the veteran to pull off the upset victory at Lambeau.

The Vikings’ Playoff Outlook | Week 10

NFL: Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Nov 8, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) makes a touchdown catch past New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vikings Game Info:

Somehow, November is already here. As a result, the game could get nasty at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 15th when the tilt is going to take place. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. The current weather appears reasonably optimistic but don’t expect tropical conditions.

NFC Conference Rankings:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: 7-1 (NFC West)
  2. Chicago Bears: 7-2 (NFC North)
  3. New York Giants: 5-3-1 (NFC East)
  4. Carolina Panthers: 3-5 (NFC South)
  5. Detroit Lions: 6-2 (Wild Card)
  6. Minnesota Vikings: 6-2 (Wild Card)
  7. Green Bay Packers: 6-3 (Wild Card)
  8. Seattle Seahawks: 5-4
  9. Los Angeles Rams: 5-4
  10. Dallas Cowboys: 4-5
  11. Washington Commanders: 3-5-1
  12. New Orleans Saints: 3-5
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3-6
  14. Atlanta Falcons: 3-6
  15. Arizona Cardinals: 3-6
  16. Philadelphia Eagles: 2-7

1 Game to Watch:

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
Oct 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Going to roll with the 49ers at Cowboys. After all, San Francisco is next up on the schedule in that Mexico game for Week 11. And, of course, Dallas is the disastrous team that’s so fun to cheer against (at least for those outside of Dallas). Cheers to schadenfreude. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, November 15th.

The NFL Prophets, Prognosticators, and Pundits:

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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets
Nov 1, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) drops back to pass against the New York Jets in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The panel on the NFL’s website has reached a consensus: the Green Bay Packers will win in Week 10.

Consider part of how Gennaro Filice justifies the pick: “Since the beginning of October, the Packers have given up the third-fewest points per game at 16.7. Cousins ultimately could save this season of Skol — pre-existing chemistry with KOC/Justin Jefferson is something to believe in — but it’s a tall task asking him to completely flip the offensive script a few days after he got it. Green Bay evens the season score.”

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.