NFL power rankings, playoff edition: Kicking off the Wild Card round

NFL power rankings to kick off the Wild Card round of the playoffs

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs upfield for a 96 yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 31: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears throws the ball away while being pursued by defenders Linval Joseph #98 and Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. the play resulted in a two point safety for the Vikings. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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Week 17 proved why the Vikings are such a dangerous team heading into the playoffs.

Sure, they beat the lowly Bears, which isn’t much of a challenge. But Minnesota absolutely clamped down on its NFC North rival, defensively, allowing just 201 yards and a 1-of-12 mark on third downs.

And with quarterback Case Keenum playing well for the Vikings, it’s easy to see why this group has a legitimate chance to actually participate in their hosted Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Perhaps the only legitimate challenger to the Vikings are the Rams, who boast one of the most potent offenses in the NFL this season.