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) /

25 of 32

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Ricardo Allen /

8. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons haven’t been big believers in free agency this offseason, at least the early parts. Thomas Dimitroff signed guard Brandon Fusco to a three-year deal but that’s the only move the team has made. The departures have completely outweighed the arrivals. It looks like the Falcons had no trouble letting Adrian Clayborn, Dontari Poe, Taylor Gabriel walk. We’ll see how much losing productive players really does affect the Falcons this season.

Opting to fill holes through the draft seems like the preferred option for this team. The majority of teams that go crazy in free agency have major needs. Fusco’s signing fills the gap at right guard and picking No. 26 in the draft gives the Falcons a chance to draft a cornerback with good value. The team seems fairly content with the roster coming off two straight playoff appearances, and they should.

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones were a shell of their old selves last season but won’t have a problem rekindling their connection. When they’re on the same page, it’s the most lethal pitch-and-catch duo in the NFL. No defender can stop Jones amassing 200-300 receiving yards a game. On the other side of the ball, Brooks Reed restructured his contract to stay and Vic Beasley returns on his fifth-year option.

It’s going to take another 10+ win season to earn a playoff berth in the NFC this season. They’re a step below the Saints but Dan Quinn’s team is a dangerous wild-card team as we saw in 2017.

Home/NFL Power Rankings