NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Packers fall in Week 17

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws during the first quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (11-3)

Last week: 11
Change: +3

It’s performances such as the one the Minnesota Vikings put in against the New York Giants that can set a team up for a deep postseason run. That’s not to say the 2015 Vikings will be going far in the playoffs, but this win will give them the world of confidence heading into an NFC North decider with the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Defense ruled the day against the Giants, picking off Eli Manning three times and sacking him four times in a 49-17 blowout. With a much healthier defense, the Vikings dominated the game and put it out of sight early on. The Giants were held to just one conversion from 11 third downs, and the Vikings took the ball away three times.

If there was one concern, it was with the offense. Sure, the Vikings put up 218 yards on the ground with three rushing touchdowns, but it will be much tougher to run 40 times against the Packers, who are much better at stopping the run. The Vikings were unable to move the ball on the ground against the Pack in the first meeting, with Peterson held to just 45 yards rushing.

Next: No. 7