Sunday's game against the Bears officially has been scheduled for noon, before the 49ers and Cardinals are set to play in the late-afternoon time slot. That means the Vikings still will be chasing the NFC's No. 2 seed, which is only attainable with a victory and a loss by the 49ers.
NFL hands Vikings a noon start against the Bears on Sunday
The 49ers, the team the Vikings are chasing for the NFC's No. 2 seed, will begin later.
January 3, 2023 at 1:04AM
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he likely won't outright rest such starters as quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson. Playing time adjustments would be "more subtle," he said.
"Just knowing that the two seed is still available for us," O'Connell said. "Regardless, we still have a lot to play for just from a momentum standpoint [for] a football team that's kind of had some highs this year, for sure, and then one of our low moments of the season [Sunday]."
These Vikings know about the power of momentum, having forced swings in a handful of comebacks this season. They're on a downswing right now after all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — struggled Sunday in a loss to Green Bay. The offense didn't generate a first down until its 16th play, midway through the second quarter.
Playing the 28th-ranked Bears defense could help the Vikings regain some confidence heading into the playoffs.
"You want to put your best foot forward," receiver K.J. Osborn said. "No matter if there's playoff implications or not. Obviously there's still some chances with things that can happen throughout the league."
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
