NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles, Patriots top list

NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles top list

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) gives thumbs up to a fan during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-10.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stays loose on the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

3. New England Patriots

There are only two reasons the Patriots are this high; Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The rest of the team is the weakest it has been in years after the losses of Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola, Nate Solder, Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis. Factor in the general discontent in Foxbourogh these days, and the sky might actually fall sooner rather than later.

Still, it’s Brady and Belichick in the horrendous AFC East and almost equally horrendous AFC. Who is going to challenge them? New England owns Pittsburgh. The Texans, Jaguars, Chargers and Chiefs are all teams to watch, but it’s tough to pick any of them over the Patriots.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Sorry, Philadelphia, you get bumped to the second spot. The Nick Foles run is the stuff of legend and rightfully so, but the burning question centers around Carson Wentz’s knee. If he’s not healthy, it’s tough to believe in Foles for the long haul in 2018.

Additionally, it’s so tough to repeat. The Eagles are loaded, but they shocked the world to win it all last season. Expect some other team to do the same this time around, because that’s generally how these things go. Statistically speaking, the Eagles have a very, very low percentage shot of winning it all again.

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1. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have the best roster in football. Of course, they also have the most pressure on them. Anything short of winning it all will be deemed a failure, especially after dropping a fully-guaranteed $84 million on Kirk Cousins. It’s time to put up or shutup in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota is going to be terrific on both sides of the ball barring any major injuries. This is a team that went to the NFC Championship Game and then added Cousins, Sheldon Richardson and, in essence, Dalvin Cook.

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