Vikings Territory: Vikings Maintain Low Standing In National Power Rankings

Press release from Vikings Territory:

2021-08-15

The time is now for the Minnesota Vikings to effectuate a deep playoff push. Head coach Mike Zimmer enters his eighth campaign in charge, showcasing the NFL’s eight-best win-loss record during his tenure — but just two playoffs win on his resume.

The best Minnesota could do after a slew of injuries in the pandemic season was 7-9. The offense was the most productive group that the franchise experienced since 2009. The defense, though, was the worst since 2013, the year before Zimmer took over.

Locally, Vikings brains believe the 2021 offseason was unexpectedly thorough. But that sentiment is not present on a national scale.

And the Vikings are closer to the Texans, Lions, and Jaguars per Bleacher Report. BR‘s collective staff ranked the Vikings at #22 of 32 teams heading into the preseason. Here’s the rationale:

In addition to the litany of questions detailed above, the Vikings have one more notable roadblock — their schedule. Per 2020 wins and losses, Minnesota faces the NFL’s fifth-toughest schedule in 2021. The other NFC North teams are also beset by this predicament, so there is some “safety in numbers” reassurance to note. But on the whole, this 2021 schedule is the trickiest the Zimmer-Vikings have encountered to date.

Then, the Vikings must keep the level of offensive output consistent. Zimmer’s offense finished 2020 fourth in yards gained and 11th in points scored. Pair that with a typical Zimmer defense — not the 2020 version — and the Vikings will go places.

Based on sheer roster talent, the 2021 Vikings are significantly better than #22 in the business. However, the memories of 7-9 in 2020 — plus the same head coach and quarterback — propel Bleacher Report to think “same ‘ol, same ‘ol.”

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory .The views expressed here are the author’s own.