2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Los Angeles Rams crush Oakland Raiders 33-13
By Dan Parzych
4. Minnesota Vikings
Falling short of becoming the first team in NFL history to play in their own stadium for the Super Bowl was absolutely devastating for the Minnesota Vikings, but at least all signs point to this team being a top NFC contender once again. Even though it seemed like a risk at the time to move on from Case Keenum after everything the quarterback accomplished last year, convincing Kirk Cousins to come on board seems like a major upgrade.
For years, Cousins has been pushing hard for a new contract, and after doing just enough in Week 1 when facing the 49ers (244 passing yards with two touchdowns) shows the Vikings should be in great shape throughout the 2018 season. Plus, when looking at the duo at receiver he gets to work with in Stefon Diggs (three catches for 43 yards with a touchdown) and Adam Thielen (six catches for 102 yards) along with Dalvin Cook finally healthy, Cousins is set up perfectly to succeed in Minnesota’s offense.
Cook’s rushing numbers (40 yards on 16 carries) in Week 1 may have been far from impressive, but seeing him make up for it in the receiving department shows how glad the Vikings are to have him healthy again. Assuming key players stay healthy, Minnesota is going to be tough to defeat in the NFC North.