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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vikings
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
20

Minnesota Vikings 8-8

Last week: 3rd, NFC North
Last rank: 20th

Looking Back: Despite losing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the entire season and running back Adrian Peterson for the vast majority of 2016, Mike Zimmer still watched his team jump out to a 5-0 start. But a lack of talent eventually caught up with the Purple Gang, who dropped eight of their final 11 games and out of the playoffs.

Looking Forward: The much-discussed trade to obtain Sam Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles just before the start of the season had its share of critics. But with Bridgewater’s status for 2017 still up in the air, you can understand why general manager was willing to give up two picks (first rounder in 2017 and fourth rounder in 2018) to get the still-young signal-caller. Despite the midseason resignation of offensive coordinator, Bradford did manage a respectable season. But things should be much better with more time to prepare for 2017. However, the one-time Rams’ quarterback needs to push the ball downfield a bit more and that will come with continued experience.

Offseason needs: A new medical staff? Zimmer’s team certainly had to deal with more than its share of injuries throughout the year. But be it Bridgewater and now Bradford, this is an offense that needs to be a bit more aggressive. Who knows what to expect from Peterson this fall. But this was a team that managed to split 16 games despite the NFL’s worst running attack. General manager Rick Spielman has some very big decisions to make in terms of tackles Matt Kalil and Andre Smith, both slated to hit the open market in March. And have we seen the last of linebacker Chad Greenway and cornerback Terence Newman?

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