After two straight victories in front of the home fans in Minnesota, the Vikings head into Week 4 moving up on each of the lists of NFL Power Rankings. The Vikings are 2-1 for the first time since 2012. We surfed the web to see where the Vikings rank on a few official power rankings lists.
Back-to-back weeks, an opposing quarterback has left Minnesota looking like a losing fighter from Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! Matthew Stafford felt the brunt of the Vikings' defense in Week 2, then Philip Rivers was in the crosshairs this past Sunday.
Vikings #9-- Sports Illustrated
Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing and the Vikings are 2-1 for the first time since 2012, the year Peterson won MVP.
Vikings #13-- ESPN
Dominant performance in front of the home folks. The Vikes look totally unlike the guys who got their hides dusted by 'Los Hyde a few weeks ago. While Adrian Peterson appears discernibly slower, he still clearly has the drive to finish every run like he's 25 years old.
Random note: Saw Fran Tarkenton on the CBS broadcast, and he mentioned the four Super Bowls this franchise went to under Bud Grant. Sure, the Vikes didn't win one, but four trips to Super Bowl Sunday in an eight-year span -- from 1969 to 1976 -- cannot be overlooked.
Vikings #11--NFL.com
After struggling the find their identity in Week 1, the Vikings have developed into a team led by their dominant running game and an aggressive defense with one of the NFL's elite pass-rushing units. Look for the Vikings to continue to trend up.
Vikings #9--FOX Sports
How long can a Norv Turner-designed passing game remain at the bottom of the league rankings?
Vikings #9—USA Today
Adrian Peterson has 260 yards on 49 carries the last two weeks. When you look at all the big-name running backs either struggling or hurt, it's amazing how seamlessly Peterson has come back at age 30.
Vikings #10--Yahoo Sports!
Three weeks after a stinker against the 49ers, the Vikings can make a statement against the Broncos.
Vikings #13—Pro Football Talk
What's Good?: Don't look now, but Adrian Peterson appears ready to run all over the rest of the NFL. Peterson currently leads the league with 291 rushing yards, and he's gotten better each and every week. The future Hall of Fame running back averaged 6.2 yards per carry against the San Diego Chargers for 126 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. With Peterson playing well, it takes the pressure off second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who hasn't played as well as expected to start the season. **
What's Bad?: Charles Johnson's status for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos remains uncertain after he suffered a rib injury during Week 3. One reason for Bridgewater's mediocre start is his wide receivers aren't playing at a high level right now, and Johnson's injury only compounds the problem. Mike Wallace leads the team with 12 receptions for 150 yards. Neither number qualifies him as a top-40 wide receiver. **
*What's Next?: After a surprising loss to the San Francisco 49ers to open the season and then two strong performances during the following two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings will show how good they really are Sunday. The Broncos claim the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense, and quarterback Peyton Manning also continues to get better each week in Gary Kubiak's scheme. *
Vikings #10--Bleacher Report
