Minnesota Vikings not getting a lot of love in power rankings

Last year around OTAs, the Minnesota Vikings were among the favorites to win the Super Bowl. That isn’t the case for 2019 according to power rankings.

It is crazy how much difference one season can make. Around this time last year, the Minnesota Vikings were very close to the top of most NFL power rankings, but even after improving their roster they aren’t getting the same kind of respect this offseason.

Sure, there are some teams in the league who are among the elite franchises right now. However, it’s a bit of a surprise to see the guys in purple and gold mostly positioned in the teens in recent power rankings.

Here are a few of the power rankings shared by prominent sites covering the NFL and where they placed the Minnesota Vikings on their lists:

• 5 – USA Today – Nate Davis: “If any team is positioned for a major rebound, it’s this one.” (May 1)
• 11 – ESPN – NFL Nation: “Where the team improved this offseason: Bolstering Kirk Cousins’ supporting cast.” (May 8)
• 12 – NFL.com – Elliot Harrison: “Still think Minnesota can be a playoff team, but Bradbury must step in and play like a vet opening week.” (Apr. 29)
• 14 – The Action Network – Staff (May 22)
• 15 – Bleacher Report – NFL Staff: ” Davenport expects the team to miss the playoffs yet again” (Apr. 29)
• 15 – Sports Illustrated – MMQB Staff: “The Vikings are one of the teams our panel had the hardest time agreeing on, but most seem to think they’ll at least be in pretty good shape.” (May 3)
• 17 – Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer: “Defensively, however, they need more youth to serve them; they’ve gotten a little longer in the tooth.” (May 12)

It’s nice to see Nate Davis believing that the Vikings are going to be one of the best teams in the league. Plus, it’s easy to see why they would be better: improved offensive line, more offensive weapons, and locking down more key players on long-term deals are all things to look forward to.

On the other hand, there are others who think Minnesota won’t be going back to the playoffs for the second year in a row. Sure, the division will be tough and there are some great teams in the NFC, but this roster is too good to miss the playoffs again.

The most confusing line is from Vinnie Iyer, who critiques the age of the defense. Right now, both Harrison Smith and Linval Joseph are 30 years old and Everson Griffen is the oldest defensive starter at 31…so it’s hard to know who he is looking at from that unit.

As a whole, the Minnesota Vikings are looking like underdogs this year when it comes to being in the Super Bowl or even making the playoffs. It’s a good thing power rankings aren’t gospel and the real games are played on a football field.