Every 2017 NFL Playoff Team's Biggest Weakness

Minnesota Vikings: Pass Rush

It is strange and mildly treasonous to imply that a team with guys like Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter has troubles with its pass rush. But at least based on the numbers from this year, that does seem to be the case.

The Vikings finished the season ranked 22nd in Sack NEP per drop back on the defensive side of the ball and 18th in sack rate. The only teams in the playoffs that had worse marks in Sack NEP per drop back were the Chiefs and Bills. Even the Patriots were one spot ahead of the Vikings, and their pass rush has been in question for years now. Despite the personnel, this was not a strength of the team during the regular season.

If you're hesitant to put your faith in NEP (and given the reputation of this defense, I wouldn't blame you), we can look elsewhere and see similar notions. The Vikings ranked 18th in adjusted sack rate, according to Football Outsiders, which adjusts for down, distance, and opponent. They just didn't quite get it done this year.

Because of the individual players the Vikings have, their defensive line still possesses the ability to take over a game. That's a plus. And they rank well in every other metric, finishing in the top eight in every major category outside of schedule-adjusted rushing offense. This is a tremendous, well-rounded team. But we can't gloss over this lack of production simply because we know their players are talented.

If this is the Vikings' biggest weakness, they're sitting pretty heading into the postseason. And our analytics agree, giving them 18.53% odds of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the second-best odds in the league behind the Patriots. Just keep in mind that the pass rush was not a strength in the regular season and could come back to bite them the further they get into the postseason.