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Ranking the NFC North teams that have improved the most

By Brandon Carwile

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Center Olin Kreutz #57 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the first half of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Center Olin Kreutz #57 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the first half of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Washington Redskins 38-30 at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins talks with quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Washington Redskins 38-30 at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Minnesota Vikings

Key additions: QB Kirk Cousins, DT Sheldon Richardson, WR Kendall Wright, CB Mike Hughes

Key Losses: QB Case Keenum, QB Teddy Bridgewater, QB Sam Brafford, RB Jerick McKinnon

The Vikes may have found their quarterback for the next three years, but the offense won’t look much different. Case Keenum was great in Minnesota’s system and Cousins also benefited from a simplified offense in Washington. What may help them the most is the return of running back Dalvin Cook who looked like a potential rookie of the year candidate before tearing his ACL.

Defensively, the Vikings got a little stronger and really didn’t lose a whole lot. Sheldon Richardson will add to an already deep defensive line and Mike Hughes joins a very talented secondary. Minnesota shouldn’t see much of a drop off after ranking first in the NFL in total defense last season. Once again they will contend for the NFC North title.

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