Would Rodney Dangerfield be proud of the level of respect the Vikings got this week?
After seeing the wide range of opinions on the Minnesota Vikings heading into Week 3, I thought it might be a productive exercise to collect as many power rankings as I could to try get a consensus of how the team is viewed nationally.
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:
The Rankings
- The Athletic/New York Times — 4th (previously 7th)
Key excerpt: “He might turn into a pumpkin by Halloween, but for now Darnold leads the NFL in touchdown passes (eight) while throwing only two interceptions.”
- ESPN.com — 3rd (previously 11th)
Key excerpt: “…if we’re nitpicking, the Vikings continue to cover for subpar play from right guard Ed Ingram.”
- CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) — 3rd (previously 5th)
Key excerpt: “The good news is Sam Darnold isn’t badly hurt. Did I just write that?”
- Palm Beach Post (Joe Schad) — 3rd
Key excerpt: “Yes, Brian Flores is a very good defensive coordinator.”
- The Score — 4th (previously 12th)
Key excerpt: “You could argue that the Vikings’ defense is one of the best-coached units in the entire NFL.”
- NFL Trade Rumors — 4th (previously 15th)
Key excerpt: “We’ve seen QB Sam Darnold go on hot streaks before, but none like this.”
- Sports Illustrated — 5th (previously 9th)
Key excerpt: “…we need to take note of how wonderful and maddening this defense has been over the course of three games.”
- USA Today Touchdown Wire — 1st (previously 4th)
Key excerpt: N/A
- USA Today — 3rd (previously 7th)
Key excerpt: “…and Kevin O’Connell might be leading the league in Coach of the Year votes — were a straw poll to be taken.”
- Yahoo! Sports — 4th (previously 11th)
Key excerpt: “The Vikings’ offense will get better when Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson return.”
- The 33rd Team — 3rd (previously 13th)
Key excerpt: “The Minnesota Vikings are easily the most surprising team in the NFL this season.”
- Marquee Sports Network — 4th
Key excerpt: “Best result of Week 3 wasn’t the win. It was Sam Darnold’s MRI results.”
- New York Post — 3rd (previously 12th)
Key excerpt: “It was the Vikings’ largest margin of victory in five years.”
Average ranking: 3.38 (44 ranking points/13 rankings)
Spare thoughts: It’s pretty difficult to be bitter about these rankings. I was shocked to see a No. 1 in there, but in general, I think having the Vikings somewhere around the Nos. 3-4 spots fees about right.
What do you think? Join the conversation below (and recommend other power rankings to add if you wish)!
