The Vikings' season may have shifted with Jordan Love's injury

The Minnesota Vikings may have seen their odds to compete in the NFC North on Friday night and they didn't even have to take the field to do it.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was injured in the final minute of a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil and the significance of his injury could alter the Vikings' division hopes.

Love was hurt on the second to last play of the game when he was grabbed by Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Love successfully got rid of the ball by pitching it to Packers running back Josh Jacobs but it came at a cost as Love's leg buckled as he fell to the turf.

Love was helped off by the Packers' training staff and missed the final play where backup quarterback Malik Willis was sacked to end the game. But the bigger concern is the status of Love's injury.

Several injury analysts on social media speculated that Love could have suffered a high ankle sprain or a lower leg fracture but it appeared that Love's knee also buckled on the play, which could mean something worse.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also declined to give a status on Love's injury after the game, telling reporters "I don't know."

While this is pure speculation, any significant injury could alter the power in the NFC North. While the Detroit Lions remain the favorites, the Vikings or Chicago Bears could sneak into a wild card spot if the Packers have to turn to Willis for an extended period of time.

For the Vikings, it has extra benefits as Minnesota will travel to face the Packers in Week 4. If Love is unable to go, it could give them an advantage in one of their toughest road games of the year.

This creates an interesting situation moving forward until Love's injury is revealed and could open the door for a wide-open NFC North in 2024.