NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 28: Alex Smith /

23. Washington Redskins

With Kirk Cousins all but gone, the Redskins made the first real splash of the offseason, trading for Alex Smith. It was the perfect time to acquire Smith, off a career year and proved to be the right call, considering the inflation that came with the free agent market. The Redskins gave Smith a hefty payday but with the expectation that he could accomplish what Cousins couldn’t in three seasons.

The first priority was attempting to surround Smith with similar weapons like he had in Kansas City and the Redskins tried to do just that. Signing Paul Richardson is a good idea in principle but a huge risk given the $40 million. Just like Smith, the Redskins are betting on Richardson coming off a career year. But aside from that, the offense still lacks viable weapons. Jordan Reed can’t stay healthy while Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder are No. 2 receivers at best. Chris Thompson provides the most big-play threat but as a running back, that’s a problem.

Smith isn’t a top-five quarterback but was able to open up his game with weapons like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Kareem Hunt. I can’t say the Redskins provide the same wealth of opportunity on that side of the ball.

The NFC East may very well be the best division in football this season and the Redskins still aren’t better than the Cowboys and certainly not the Eagles. A wild-card berth seems like the best-case scenario next season and even that seems like a reach at this point.

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