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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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 31-24. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

9. Green Bay Packers

I consider the Packers to be one of the winners among the early free agency period. New management under Brian Gutekunst made two splash signings, bringing in tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson. Both additions are significant to their respective positions on the Packers’ roster.

Moves weren’t just limited to free agent signings. The Packers traded cornerback Damarious Randall in return for DeShone Kizer. Randall gets a much-needed change of scenery outside of Green Bay while Kizer has the chance to sit and develop under one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. It was a win-win for both sides even if it doesn’t provide immediate results for the Packers.

The disappointments of the 2017 season stemmed from Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone. As he returns 100% healthy, the Packers are once again a playoff-caliber team. Rodgers lost one of his favorite targets in Jordy Nelson but re-signing Davante Adams and adding Graham gives him two elite pass-catchers. The backfield finally has legitimate running back talent with Aaron Jones, giving Rodgers a run game for what seems like the first time in his career.

There’s a reason we talked about Rodgers and company as Super Bowl contenders early last season. When at their best, the Packers can compete with any team in the NFL. A lot of the success rides on health but that’s the same for any team. Don’t expect this to be the second straight season without making the postseason. I can just about guarantee the Packers will still be playing in mid-January.

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