The Vikings played the undefeated Denver Broncos as tough as any team this season in the 23-20 loss Sunday, but the team won't have a chance to prove anything this weekend during the bye week. We'll still take a look at the NFL power rankings lists to see where the experts rank Minnesota during Week 5 as the Vikings prepare their push for the playoffs.
The 2014 Minnesota started the season 2–2 and then lost their next three games, ending any hopes of a surprise playoff push. This year's team is better, deeper and more experienced ... but sits at 2–2 with a tough home game (Kansas City) and two NFC North road games (Detroit, Chicago) coming out of a Week 5 bye. The time to put up or shut up comes early for the Vikings.
Vikings #10--Sports Illustrated
The Vikings continue to get consistent pressure on defense with a young roster that loves to play for head coach Mike Zimmer. If the Vikings find a better balance on offense by utilizing passing concepts that work for Teddy Bridgewater, they will be a tough team to take down.
Vikings #10--FOX Sports
The Vikings hung tough in a game most didn't give them a chance to win, thanks to some timely catches by youngster Stefon Diggs, a timely (and explosive) Adrian Peterson run and a reaaal timely read-and-react pick by Harrison Smith. What a play that was. So Vikings fans are disappointed with the loss, and Ragnar has parted ways with the organization, but 2-2 with an interconference loss is no big deal. If Mike Zimmer can push this roster to 10 wins, Sunday's "L" won't factor into tiebreakers.
Vikings #11--NFL.com
Back on top of the rushing charts, looks like Adrian Peterson is finally settling into Norv Turner's offense.
Vikings #14--USA Today Sports
If the Vikings play as well as they did at Denver on Sunday, they're going to win a lot of games against the teams that aren't nearly as good as the Broncos.
Vikings #11--Yahoo! Sports
At 2-2, they've lost both road games. That's something young teams have to overcome.
Vikings #15--CBS Sports
Location. Location. Location. The Vikings have lost five straight on the road (including Sunday), but have won five straight at home.
Vikings #14--ESPN
After the bye, 2-2 could quickly become 7-2.
Vikings #16--Pro Football Talk
