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NFL power rankings: 2019 edition – Patriots finish on top, again

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 30: Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes a breather during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 30, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 30: Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes a breather during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on December 30, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

16. Minnesota Vikings (8-7-1)

2nd Place, NFC North

Season Review: There were a lot of high expectations for a team that had finished 13-3 the previous year. And the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins seem to “guarantee” those sentiments. But the former Redskins’ Pro Bowler, while hardly without fault, received little or no help from the ground attack (30th in the NFL) and Minnesota’s offensive line failed in a big way. Meanwhile, Mike Zimmer’s defense simply was not as stout as it was in ‘17. It all added up to this team being outclassed again some of the more physical clubs in the league and a failure to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

2018 Turning Point: It was a very uneven year for the defending NFC North champions. But all the Vikings had to do was hold serve in Week 17 at home against the Chicago Bears. But the club was pushed around, 24-10, and there would be no return to the playoffs for Zimmer’s talented squad.

2019 Priorities: Could general manager Rick Spielman and the organization slap the franchise tag on talented outside linebacker Anthony Barr, a potential free agent? The team may also want to hang onto running back Latavius Murray as an insurance policy for oft-injured Dalvin Cook.

Next: No. 15

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