2018 NFL Power Rankings: Divisional Playoffs edition

3. Minnesota Vikings

13-3 (NFC North champions)

No. 2 Seed in NFC

This week: vs. New Orleans Saints in NFC Divisional Playoffs

Eight quarterbacks will be starting for their teams this weekend but only one will be making his playoff debut in the opening lineup. That would be Minnesota Vikings’ field general Case Keenum, who took these Norsemen by the horns and led them to the NFC North title.

Of course, Mike Zimmer’s club is hardly a one-man show. The team ranked 11th in total offense (seventh in the NFL in rushing) and no squad gave up fewer total yards per game and fewer points than the Purple Gang. In terms of both sides of the football, this could be the most balanced team in the league.

Of course, it is certainly worth mentioning that the last time the Vikings won a postseason game was way back in 2009 when Brett Favre was the team’s starting quarterback. Two years ago and with a wild card victory over the Seahawks almost a certainty, Zimmer’s team watched kicker Blair Walsh miss a chip-shot field goal.

Yes, there is a little extra incentive for the Vikings this season as the franchise has a chance to become the first in 52 tries to play the Super Bowl in its home stadium. This club lost just once at home this season and that was way back in Week 4. It has added up to five straight wins in their own building by a combined 128-50 score.

This may be the most balanced club from top to bottom in the league. And they will have every opportunity to prove that on Sunday against a visiting New Orleans Saints’ team that they handled back in Week 1 by a 29-19 count.

Next: No. 2