NFL Preseason 2018: Winners and losers from Week 1

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings runs a huddle in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Winner: The Minnesota Vikings

Just last season, the Minnesota Vikings lost their starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, early in the year and had to turn to veteran backup Case Keenum to lead the way. Of course, that didn’t stop Mike Zimmer’s group from proving to be one of the most fearsome teams in the league, going all the way to the NFC Championship Game. Then this offseason, they made a huge splash to sign Kirk Cousins in free agency. In doing so, the hope was that he would take a team already contending to another level.

It was only a few snaps and just one game of action, but it would seem that Vikings general manager Rick Spielman’s plan in that regard is playing out to perfection.

Even without Dalvin Cook, the second-year running back coming off an ACL tear, in the mix, Cousins and the Vikings offense looked near flawless when the new signal-caller in Minnesota was under center. He finished the game going 4-of-4 for 42 yards with a touchdown thrown to Stefon Diggs. Perhaps more importantly, Cousins looked in complete control and like a leader in the offense, displaying a rapport with his teammates that was obvious.

With this Vikings team, all the pieces seem to be in place for a Super Bowl run. They boast one of the league’s deepest and best overall defenses, have skill-position players of immense talent at each position and now seemingly have upgraded at quarterback with Cousins. There was already buzz about title chances in Minnesota, and Week 1 of the NFL preseason only made that louder.

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