So, if you're KOC...

Keep playing,   they haven't accomplished anything yet and if nothing else JJ set a goal for the year and deserves the chance to see it through. 

If there's a guy dinged here or there limit their reps,  give them more rest during the week,  but we are a month away from the first playoff games so to soon to start thinking about that possibility and to much to work on.

Play em, they might actually figure out how to come out strong, play well in the middle, and end strong. 
It would be nice to kind of figure that out before playoff games

They keep them out there, that number 2 seed is at stake 

@"Vikergirl" said: They keep them out there, that number 2 seed is at stake 

@"Riphawkins" said: Play em, they might actually figure out how to come out strong, play well in the middle, and end strong. 

It would be nice to kind of figure that out before playoff games

ONE TREND TO WATCH

How the Vikings use their starters now that they've clinched: The Vikings kept Garrett Bradbury out for a second straight game because of a nagging back injury; Bradbury has said there's no structural damage, but the Vikings figure to remain cautious with players like the center as they try to reach the postseason in good health.

The Vikings cannot drop any further than the No. 3 seed, meaning they're all but assured of avoiding a first-round matchup with the Cowboys, who beat them 40-3 in November.

They've got a vested interest in keeping the NFC's No. 2 seed, though; if they can stay a game ahead of the 49ers, it would mean a potential divisional round matchup between the teams would be in Minneapolis, not Santa Clara, Calif.

How O'Connell balances those aims with the health of his roster is worth watching during the final three weeks of the regular season

https://www.startribune.com/vikings-kirk-cousins-shows-fourth-quarter-and-beyond-is-his-time-to-shine-colts-biggest-comeback/600236993/

@"Riphawkins" said: Play em, they might actually figure out how to come out strong, play well in the middle, and end strong. 

It would be nice to kind of figure that out before playoff games

Until they figure out the defense and how to play an entire game on offense, you keep playing.  Plenty to gain by being #2 seed.

resting your injured starters is the right thing to do, that doesn't translate to giving a game away.  KOC will call on his players to rise up to the occasion regardless.  this team needs everyone   The goal has been met, you cant get to the next goal without winning your first playoff game.  having a full roster of experienced players is the best way to achieving your next goal. 
  

Things I think are important for the playoffs:

• Getting the defense to an acceptable level
• Getting the running game to an acceptable level
• Getting our offense to play a complete game, and perhaps figuring out how to more smoothly adapt to what teams are doing to slow us down.
• Getting as many players as healthy and fresh as possible.

I do think keeping the #2 seed is huge, but I don’t think it’s
so important that you need to run players into the ground.  I also think you need to play your starters
some amount of time as you try to adjust this team to a SB contending team that
can be depended on.  I think I’d be decreasing
the starters snap counts for every game, and giving the guys with nagging
inuries some time to get healthy.  I’d
really focus on trying to get the offense to score a lot in the first half by
being smart and efficient, so hopefully you can start resting some veteran guys
to keep the mileage down.

Outside of resting injuries that could become serious, everyone plays rest of season. Its been proven again and again, teams having starters taking weeks off  come out rusty and lose in the playoffs. Most important month to win is December - which usually translates into January success. You don't want to roll in to the playoffs after losing two of your last three or worse case - losing all three.

Play everyone against the Giants, then probably reduce Dalvin and Justin's snaps by half against Green Bay and Chicago. 

Its not like we’re hitting on all cylinders. Lets do that before we rest anyone. 

I'd like to see this offense not look inept for long stretches in games.  I know they put up 39 in 30 minutes or so,  but they are the same team that couldn't put up a single point in the first 40 minutes of the game,  and had recently been manhandled by the lions.

This O needs to be able to out up 35+ these last 3 games before I dont consider them a playoff liability.

they need to play for that 2nd seed. Vikings need home field to make a run.

If the Vikings play SF in the second round @ USB, they have a chance.

Vikings vs. SF @ Santa Clara?

Play everybody.

If they aren't 'hitting on all cylinders' by now, its not going to happen. Rest starters for sure the last game, maybe even a few the game before. Not the Giants game.

@"StickyBun" said: If they aren't 'hitting on all cylinders' by now, its not going to happen. Rest starters for sure the last game, maybe even a few the game before. 

I agree they aren't "hitting on all cylinders" and haven't "hit" on all cylinders all season.  I think this is who the team is: keep it close and win at the end.  If you can't keep it close, and you're playing a good team, then you can lose big.
The comeback last week was historically awesome, but it also means the Vikes were getting blown out by a fairly crappy Colts team.  I'm  fairly certain the Vikes would've rather not have to set the comeback record to win that one.

Rest guys who need it now period...Doesnt mean on the shelf till Jan, but it might mean fewer snaps/game the rest of the way. 

I would accelerate that plan if/when they lock up their final seeding. 

I say play everyone now then consider resting some players or cut back based on circumstances the final two weeks.  Right now, we need to work on consistency on all sides of the ball vs Giants.  

@"purplefaithful" said: Rest guys who need it now period...Doesnt mean on the shelf till Jan, but it might mean fewer snaps/game the rest of the way. 

I would accelerate that plan if/when they lock up their final seeding. 

Reduce snaps, reduce practice snaps.  But no pulling back the reins on the chance to win.