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NFL power rankings: Which playoff team is the best?

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images) /
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There are a dozen teams looking to play in Super Bowl LIV on February 2. How do the 12 contenders rank from top to bottom?

It started with 32 teams and it’s down to 12 when it comes to capturing the NFL’s 100th championship and the 54th in the Super Bowl Era. This year’s postseason field includes the defending champion New England Patriots and a fairly experienced field in terms of recent postseason experience. The club that ended the longest playoff drought of this field was the San Francisco 49ers and they were in the NFC title game in 2013.

So how does this not-so-dirty dozen rank from No. 12 to numero uno? Included here the teams’ final win-loss records and their current seeding in their respective conferences. As for the rankings, postseason experience is one factor and so is how each of these teams is performing at the moment.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

12. Minnesota Vikings

10-6 (Wild Card)

No. 6 Seed in NFC

Overview: It was a team that was in some ways was carried by its offense this season, quite the departure from recent years. Quarterback Kirk Cousins (who sat out the season finale) and running back Dalvin Cook enjoyed big years, although the latter did miss the final two games of the season. The former did a much better job of taking care of the football, especially after a shaky start. Cook ran for 1,135 yards and 13 scores and was second on the team with 53 receptions behind Stefon Diggs. Having Adam Thielen healthy is a plus. On defense, Danielle Hunter led the clubs with 14.5 sacks but this unit was inconsistent at best.

Postseason History: The Vikings are in the playoffs for the third time in five seasons dating back to 2015. Their last appearance was two years ago when they reached the NFC Championship Game. The club has dropped four straight road playoff games dating back to a loss at Philadelphia in the ‘04 divisional round.

This Week’s Opponent: Zimmer’s club clashes with the NFC South champion New Orleans Saints. It’s the fifth postseason meeting between the clubs (dating back to 1987) and the fourth time the clubs will battle in three seasons. A year ago on a Sunday night at Minnesota (Week 8), the Vikings fell by a 30-20 score.

Next: No. 11

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