NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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4. Minnesota Vikings, 2.47 nERD

The Minnesota Vikings are tied for fourth in nERD after finishing 2016 in 12th place.

The Vikes posted the third-best Adjusted Defensive NEP per play in 2016 (third in passing and fifth in rushing), and it's evident that the defense will have to lead this team to the playoffs if they can get there against the 25th-toughest schedule by projected nERD.

Minnesota's offense ranked just 21st, primarily because of the worst rushing unit in the NFL. Sam Bradford pioneered the 13th-ranked passing offense in 2016, even after adjusting for opponent strength. Among 34 passers with at least 200 drop backs in 2016, Bradford ranked 12th in Passing NEP per drop back (0.16) and 11th in Success Rate (49.58%).

The spotlight then shines on the offensive line and running backs as the main holes for this team. If things click, they can destroy the 8.5-win over/under (which is -120 on the under).

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