2020 NFL Power Rankings: Cowboys defense has hopes high

Minnesota Vikings move up from 12 to 11

It’s easy to look at the Minnesota Vikings and expect them to take a step back this season. They lost some key players with Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph both being released. They also let Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander leave in free agency while releasing Xavier Rhodes — which means their entire cornerback depth chart is going to look different (outside of Mike Hughes).

On offense, they also lost a major piece of the puzzle in Stefon Diggs. The electric wide receiver grew frustrated with the team and ended up being traded to the Buffalo Bills. With the pick they added for Diggs, Minnesota added Justin Jefferson, who should be a solid contributor once he gets adjusted to the speed of the NFL game. With their own first-rounder, they took Jeff Gladney which helps them replace the trio if cornerbacks who left.

Minnesota also saw offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski leave to coach the Cleveland Browns, but that loss isn’t expected to hurt too much since they can move Gary Kubiak to his spot — and Kubiak, who has a Super Bowl ring as a head coach, will have no problem keeping things going on that side of the ball.

In addition to the moves they made to fill the holes, the Vikings have a stellar head coach in Mike Zimmer. As long as he’s been the coach of this team, they’ve fielded a good defense and there’s no reason to bet against him now.