Those wins proved pivotal in the Vikings qualification for the playoffs, as their superior intra-conference record (8–4) over the Washington Redskins rendered Minnesota's week 17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers irrelevant, despite the Redskins defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys.
The Vikings' qualification for the playoffs depended on those victories, as their stronger intra-conference record (8–4) against the Washington Redskins made Minnesota's Week 17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers irrelevant. The Redskins' victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys was not a factor.