NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
By Keith Rivas
Minnesota Vikings (10-5)
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes in drills before the game against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Teddy Bridgewater is looking like the perfect answer to what was lacking in Minnesota at the quarterback position. He can sling it, run it, and develop plays on the run.
His style has greatly complemented running back Adrian Peterson, who, of course, has run the table in his return to football following a deal of off-the-field issues.
Pending the showdown with the Packers, the Vikings could prove lethal to the Panthers down the stretch. They’ll also have their eyes on the Arizona Cardinals, but for reasons related to revenge, since the Cardinals got a late fumble off of Minnesota in their regular season meeting.
If the Vikings hadn’t coughed up the ball on that much-needed third down, they might be telling a different story heading into the closing chapter of 2015.
Home field advantage will be crucial to them running anywhere except backwards, as having to go on the road to play Green Bay is not how they’ll want to spend the first round.
Like many other teams in the playoff bubble, one last game in prime-time will tell us if they’re cut out to play under the lights.
Next: No. 5