1. Minnesota Vikings (3)

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings just missed being the first team to play a Super Bowl in their own stadium. They had home field advantage and were on the heels of the “Minneapolis Miracle” where they shocked the world with a 61-yard touchdown pass as the end of the game against the New Orleans Saints.

A defensively stout team, they were able to ride the best season of Case Keenum’s career to the NFC title game but decided to upgrade the position in the offseason. They did that by landing Kirk Cousins, the biggest name in free agency this season. A fully-guaranteed contract is what convinced him to join and after one series, it seems like he was worth the money.

Cousins guided his new team right down the field against the Denver Broncos and was a perfect 4-of-4 passing for 42 yards and a touchdown. He did this while Keenum, now with the Broncos, struggled to get things going and had a couple three-and-outs to start the game before being pulled.

Minnesota now looks like the biggest powerhouse in the NFL. There’s no weakness on their roster and the team that just missed the playoffs will not only add Cousins but will also get running back Dalvin Cook on the field again after he tore his ACL last year.

What’s crazy about all the love for their offense is this is still a defensive first team, led by a defensive-minded coach. Simply put, this team could be scary good if everyone plays to their potential.