Vikings, Packers paired in virtual playoff elimination game

Longtime division rivals will look to remain in the playoff chase when the Minnesota Vikings welcome the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Minnesota (7-8) and Green Bay (7-8) have endured up-and-down seasons and, in the case of the Vikings, tumult at quarterback. The NFC North division title is out of reach after the Detroit Lions clinched it last week. Yet a wild-card playoff berth remains possible barring a loss Sunday.

The Vikings would boost their playoff chances to 49 percent with a win this weekend, according to playoff probability metrics. The playoff chances for the Vikings plummet to 4 percent with a loss.

The gap is even greater for Green Bay, which would boost its…