Five in a row — where does this leave the Vikes?
The Vikings have rattled off five straight wins for the second time in a row. Where does that leave them in the power rankings heading into the Battle of Kirk Cousins?
I’m glad you asked — here is the consensus look at this week’s power rankings.
If you have any other rankings you think should be included, feel free to DM me @Brandon_Warne on the tweets.
Let’s talk to it (rankings are hyperlinked for maximum clickage):
The Rankings
NFL.com — 5th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “It wasn’t pretty at all, as the Cardinals controlled things for most of the afternoon, but the Vikings moved to 10-2 and all but locked up a playoff spot.”
The Athletic/New York Times — 5th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “…but even Minnesota fans remain nervous. They were booing an offense that only had six points in the first half Sunday, but Darnold threw both his touchdown passes in the final 17 minutes.”
ESPN.com — 6th (previously 5th)
Key excerpt: “First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Linebacker Jonathan Greenard. Greenard has been one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. He is tied for fourth in the league with 10 sacks, and his 36 pressures rank 11th.”
Pro Football Talk — 5th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “At some point, their luck is going to run out.”
CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) — 5th (previously 5th)
Key excerpt: “They win a lot of close games, but isn’t that a sign of a good team? You are what your record says you are, so I guess they are pretty good.”
Palm Beach Post (Joe Schad) — 5th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “Justin Jefferson trails only Ja’Marr Chase in receiving yards.”
The Score — 6th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “Aaron Jones’ fumbles are concerning as Minnesota jockeys for playoff position.”
NFL Trade Rumors — 8th (previously 8th)
Key excerpt: “A second-half comeback gave the Vikings a home win over the Cardinals, punctuated by an Aaron Jones touchdown catch with 1:13 left in the game. It was a nice moment for Jones, who’s struggled in recent weeks.”
Sports Illustrated — 4th (previously 5th)
Key excerpt: “ While Darnold definitely missed some throws—I thought he had Trent Sherfield on a deep shot on the play where Aaron Jones fumbled—he’s so much more decisive than he used to be and is only getting better.”
USA Today — 9th (previously 8th)
Key excerpt: “A 10-2 squad probably deserves a little more air time. But the Vikes are also riding a five-game heater – warmer? – in which their average margin of victory is 5.4 points against opponents who are all currently .500 or (much) worse. Next up? A visit from the 6-6 Falcons and old friend Kirk Cousins.”
Yahoo! Sports — 5th (previously 7th)
Key excerpt: “The Vikings need to figure out their run game.”
The 33rd Team — 5th (previously 4th)
Key excerpt: “Minnesota has been fantastic in one-score games this season, which isn’t always the most sustainable way to win. However, you have to give credit to the coaching staff and the players for their mental toughness.”
Marquee Sports Network — 5th (previously 5th)
Key excerpt: “Vikings win close games so often. That’s what makes them good. That’s what makes them vulnerable in the postseason.”
New York Post — 6th (previously 6th)
Key excerpt: “The Vikings scored on their final three possessions, totaling 187 yards on 23 plays to erase a 13-point deficit behind Sam Darnold’s two touchdown passes.”
Average ranking: 5.64 (79 ranking points/14 rankings)
Spare thoughts: This is random, but the Schad comments are lazy. He’s made the same Jefferson comment multiple times in the last few weeks, and it’s just a regurgitation of stats leaderboards. Weak sauce, man. Also, USA Today? Do not check who the Vikings’ first five-game winning streak this season came against. *facepalm*
What do you think? Join the conversation below (and recommend other power rankings to add if you wish)!
