Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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EAGAN, MN – MAY 30: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) makes a pass during Optional Team Activities on May 30, 2018 at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAGAN, MN – MAY 30: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) makes a pass during Optional Team Activities on May 30, 2018 at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings pushed all their chips to the middle of the table when they signed Kirk Cousins to a massive contract this season. Minnesota hopes he’s the player who can make their offense as good as their defense.

The only problem is they didn’t spend any money on offensive lineman this offseason. Quietly, this was one of the weakest groups in the league last season. Hoping for internal improvement isn’t a sound strategy, but it’s all the Viking have.

Fortunately, Cousins is blessed with exceptional talent at the skill positions. Dalvin Cook can be a game-changer at running back if he can stay healthy. The combination of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen give the Vikings two Pro Bowl-caliber wideouts. This group may struggle to run the ball consistently, but they will make big plays.

The strength of this team remains the defensive line. Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson all have All-Pro talent. They can literally control a football game by wrecking a team’s offensive scheme.

The only place you can attack this team is in the secondary. That’s tough to do given the pressure the Vikings can put on quarterbacks, but it’s what opponents have to try to do. Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith are both excellent, but Mackensie Alexander can be a target. Watch closely to see how he holds up this season.

The Vikings may have difficulty keeping all of their stars in the future, but they’re positioned to make a deep postseason run in 2018.