2017 NFL Power Rankings: Where do Los Angeles Rams stand heading into Week 1 preseason?

17. Minnesota Vikings

Losing Teddy Bridgewater right before the start of the 2016 season was devastating for the Minnesota Vikings, but at least they made the bold move to surrender a future first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Sam Bradford. Early on, the move for Bradford seemed to be paying off big time after the Vikings jumped out to a 5-0 start, but unfortunately the season went downhill from there.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, key injuries on both sides of the football resulted in the team struggling for most of the second half of the regular season, as they would go on to finish the year with an 8-8 record. But with a new year, and those certain individuals back at full strength, the Vikings look determined to contend again in the NFC.

Plus, with only one year remaining on his contract, Bradford realizes a strong 2017 campaign could result in a hefty long-term deal down the road, whether it ends up being with Minnesota or someone else. Because if things don’t work out for Bradford this year with the Vikings, the team can always fall back on Bridgewater if needed since he was the original plan before the devastating knee injury.