Vikings can clinch playoff berth Sunday

We made note in the game story off the Vikings' 36-10 victory over Chicago that they can clinch the NFC North with a victory over Arizona on Sunday and a Green Bay loss next Monday night against Baltimore. However, we should clarify that the Vikings will assure themselves of a spot in the NFL's postseason tournament with a victory over the Cardinals.

The NFL made that clear today in a release it issued documenting the playoff scenarios at this point. The other way the Vikings can lock up a playoff berth would be with a tie against Arizona, a New York Giants loss to Dallas and an Atlanta loss or tie against Philadelphia. On another note, Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is a candidate for NFL rookie of the year week honors. Harvin had a season-best 101 yards receiving on six catches with a touchdown and also rushed for 45 yards against Chicago. Among those also up for the honor: Tennessee's Kenny Britt, who had seven receptions for 128 yards and scored the winning touchdown as time expired in the Titans' 20-17 victory over Arizona on Sunday. Baltimore's Paul Kruger, who made two tackles and intercepted Dennis Dixon's pass on Pittsburgh's second drive in overtime in the Ravens' 20-17 victory. Denver's Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries and had a touchdown in a 26-6 victory over the Giants on Thanksgiving night. Moreno also had 19 yards receiving. Arizona's LaRod Stephens-Howling returned four kicks, including one 99 yards for a touchdown, and downed three punts inside the 5-yard line against the Titans. Fans can vote for the winner at www.nfl.com/rookies and the winner will be announced Friday