Did The Vikings Schedule Help Adrian Peterson Nearly Catch Dickerson?

Here are the total defense rankings for the teams that Adrian Peterson and the Vikings played this season. 

Week 1:  Jacksonville.  31st
Week 2:  Indianapolis.  26th
Week 3:  San Francisco.  2nd
Week 4:  Detroit.  13th
Week 5:  Tennessee.  25th
Week 6:  Washington.  28th
Week 7:  Arizona.  12th
Week 8:  Tampa Bay.  29th
Week 9:  Seattle.  4th
Week 10:  Detroit.  14th
Week 11:  Bye
Week 12:  Chicago.  5th
Week 13:  Green Bay.  10th
Week 14:  Chicago.  5th
Week 15:  St. Louis.  15th
Week 16:  Houston.  9th
Week 17:  Green Bay.  10th

As you can see, it is a mixed bag.  There are some really bad defenses (Jags, Buccaneers, Redskins, Colts, Titans) early in the season ... and some really good ones later on (Seahawks, Bears twice, Texans). 

Funny, but look at the rushing rankings for these teams.

No. 1 - Tampa Bay
No. 5 - Washington
No. 6 - San Francisco
No. 7 - Houston
No. 9 - Chicago
No. 11 - Seattle
No. 14 - Green Bay
No. 16 - St Louis
No. 18 - Detroit
No. 23 - Tennessee
No. 28 - Arizona
No. 30 - Indianapolis
No. 31 - Jacksonville