CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Steelers' 37-36 last-second victory over the Packers at Heinz Field on Sunday means the Vikings have clinched the NFC North title for the second year in a row.
The Vikings needed either a victory at Carolina on Sunday night or a Packers loss to win the title. This marks the first time the Vikings have won back-to-back division titles since they won six consecutive NFC Central crowns from 1973 through 1978.
The Vikings can't wrapup a first-round bye in the playoffs today because the Eagles cruised to a 27-13 victory over the 49ers in Philadelphia. The Vikings would have gotten a bye with a victory and and Eagles loss.
As we wrote earlier, the Vikings are still alive in the race for the top seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout but that is going to be difficult to achieve.
