NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

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GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 23: Case Keenum #7 hands the ball to Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Vikings defeated the Packers 16-0. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. team. 60. . W, 16-0 at Packers. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings

It was how long since the Vikings shut out an opponent? Twenty-four years?

Well, that’s what happened against the Vikings’ division rivals, the Packers, in Week 16. And while Green Bay was without quarterback Aaron Rodgers (collarbone), performing this feat still indicates just how potent Minnesota’s defense is this year.

Like, just 12 first-downs-allowed good.

Meanwhile, quarterback Case Keenum is playing like a bona fide quality starter rather than just a career backup. He only tossed for 139 yards, but that’s not much of a worry given how cold it was.

Despite a flurry of key injuries this season, the Vikings are still one of the most complete teams in the NFL. This, combined with the way they’re winning games, makes it an easy choice to put them at No. 2 in our NFL power rankings.

Armed with a serious chance at a first-round bye, the Vikings could be the first team to actually host a Super Bowl in their own stadium.