Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is tackled by Houston Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) during the first half of the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is tackled by Houston Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) during the first half of the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Vikings — Running Back Latavius Murray

The date for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s return from his devastating knee injury remains in flux, and fellow QB Sam Bradford is still penciled in as the team’s starter.

Bradford should have some better protection up front, which is a good thing, but the major focus for Minnesota will be how the team can get its running game going again.

Veteran tailback Adrian Peterson is no longer in the picture, and the Vikings inked free-agent runner Latavius Murray as his immediate replacement. Murray rushed for only 788 yards with the Oakland Raiders last season but did manage 1,066 the year before in what turned out to be a Pro Bowl season.

In 2016, the Vikings managed only 1,205 rushing yards — worst in the NFL — en route to an 8-8 finish.

They’ll look to get their running game going again, which is why Murray’s acquisition is so important.