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2018 NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Cowboys hot, Steelers not

By Russell S. Baxter

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass in the first quarter under pressure by Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass in the first quarter under pressure by Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 02: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 02: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

60. . 6-5-1. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 8. team

Recap: A team that many felt was the most balanced in the league entering 2018 has been erratic at best. A year ago, the Vikings lost only three regular-season games on their way to a division title. After 12 games this season, Mike Zimmer’s club is struggling to stay above .500 mark and has been chasing the Chicago Bears for the top spot in the NFC North. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown more than twice as many TD passes (23) as interceptions (9) but has also been sacked 30 times and lost six of his eight fumbles. Wideout Adam Thielen has been huge. But the ground game has been spotty for numerous reasons and a once-proud defense has been inconsistent at best.

Next Week: Zimmer’s up-and-down team returns home and faces the Miami Dolphins as these clubs clash for the first time since 2014. That season, the Vikings lost a 37-35 shootout in South Florida. As for the franchises’ last clash in the Twin Cities, the Purple Gang fell short as well, 14-10.

Playoff hopes: The team’s showdown with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night may go a long way to this team getting back to the playoffs this year. And even with a road win, the Vikings will still trail the Chicago Bears in the NFC North standings and have already dropped one game to Matt Nagy’s team earlier this year.

Next: No. 7

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