This 23-30 loss seals the Vikings fate as improbable Wild Card team.

The game started with a bang. We'd been at the wife's grandmother's house for the annual winter holiday dinner and gift-exchange gathering, and left with the crowd at just about kick-off. The PVR'd been set up to record, so we could rewind and catch all of the action. The game was on the radio as we drove, and the Vikings scored first; it seemed possible.

The game dragged on, and the Vikings missed some important opportunities, and just plain failed to get the job done. With the earlier Bear victory over the Packers, this means there's no way the Vikings can get into the play-offs as the division champions.

It's unlikely that the Vikings will make a wild-card bid, either. There are four teams with better tie-breakers than the Vikings currently trying for the same two spots.

It looks like the Vikings' only hope for the Superbowl involves tickets...