2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Packers & Chiefs rise, Patriots dip
22. team. 60. . . Previous: 22nd. Minnesota Vikings
Vikings play Monday Night Football vs. the Bears***
The Minnesota Vikings are another odd 6-7 team with some impressive wins and some ugly losses.
That feels like it fits the description for just about every team in the league at this point, though.
The Vikings’ 6-7 record is reflective of the fact that this team’s defense under Mike Zimmer is one of the worst they have had in his tenure. The Vikings have a plethora of playmakers offensively to get the ball to, which makes them an intriguing team if they can sneak into the playoffs.
They need to take care of business against the Bears on Monday night to get to 7-7 before that conversation can happen.
Las Vegas Raiders. 21. team. 28. . . Previous: 19th
Raiders play Monday vs. Browns***
The Las Vegas Raiders had to move their Saturday matchup against the Cleveland Browns around due to the Browns’ COVID outbreak, and coming off of two straight losses, the additional prep time might be beneficial.
The Raiders obviously want their season to move along as scheduled, but they need to make sure they have their ducks in a row for this crucial AFC matchup. A loss against the Cleveland Browns would keep the Raiders in sole possession of last place in the AFC West and would be a huge detriment in the event that they need any sort of tiebreaker come playoff time.
It’s hard to know exactly what the identity of this Raiders team is right now. They have some spurts of really solid play, and follow it up with games where you wonder if they need to blow up the roster.