NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Minnesota Vikings
, NFC North
In his first full preseason with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Bradford has looked ready to take this team to the next level in 2017. Maybe it is the fact that the team has a dynamic young running back, but Bradford has some pep in his step this Summer. The job is his, and this team is really only to go as far as he is going to lead them.
That dynamic young running back is Dalvin Cook, who wrestled the starting job away from the likes of Latavius Murray and Jerrick McKinnon. He broke the Florida State rushing record in only three seasons, so it goes without saying that he is going to be an incredible playmaker for the Vikings. With a solid cast of wideouts, and one of the better tight ends in the league in Kyle Rudolph, this offense should be able to put points on the board.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings may have one of the top-5 units in all of football. They have playmakers on all levels of the defense, which is going to make it very hard for teams to compete with for four quarters. Harrison Smith is a very talented free safety, and Anthony Barr is certainly going to lead the way at the linebacker position.
The NFC North had two playoff teams last season, as both the Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions made it to the postseason. The Vikings could sneak past the Lions in the division this season, as they have one of the more balanced rosters in the NFC. If Bradford stays healthy, and upright, the Vikings can play against any team on their schedule.