Close games have become the forte of the Minnesota Vikings this season. They won their ninth one-score game this past Sunday as they beat the New York Jets by a score of 27-22.
The Vikings playing so many close games has the industry and NFL world arguing what the Vikings are. It’s become a somewhat frustrating point of discussion on social media because the discussion seems to just become a dead end.
As we continue to project forward for the Vikings, it is becoming more and more difficult, but they do have a very easy schedule, as only one team remaining is above .500 and that is the New York Giants.
This week’s power rankings are the most consistent we have seen in as many weeks. Here are the latest from analysts across the league.
Nate Davis-USA Today
Last week: 7
This week: 7
After finishing a sweep of the NFC East, the Vikings stay at 7 for Davis
“The AFC East might be the NFL’s best division, but Minnesota went 4-0 against it. Beat Detroit this Sunday, and rookie HC Kevin O’Connell will not only wrap up the NFC North crown, he’ll be riding a three-week winning streak over teams he played for (Patriots, Jets).”
Doug Farrar-Touchdown Wire
Last week: 7
This week: 3
Farrar is buying the Vikings right now, especially since their play has been relatively consistent.
“There is plenty more to be said about the Vikings after 12 games. Kirk Cousins is playing effectively in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, and they have a dominant run game led by Dalvin Cook. Aside from their blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Vikings haven’t looked horrendous, even in their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles from Week 2.”
Mike Florio-Pro Football Talk
Last week: 7
This week: 6
Florio is acknowledging that the Vikings are clutch.
“They keep finding a way when it matters most.”
Pete Prisco-CBS Sports
Last week: 6
This week: 5
Prisco vaulted the Vikings back into the top five.
“They are 10-2 as they prepare to face the Lions this week, but there are still questions about this team. The defense has to be better.”
Austin Gayle-The Ringer
Last week: 7
This week: 7
Gayle still has the Vikings in the same spot: flawed postseason contenders.
“Kirk Cousins had an uncharacteristically inaccurate performance and star wideout Justin Jefferson was held under 50 receiving yards in Sunday’s win against the Jets. Nine of the Vikings’ 10 wins this season have been by one score—and the Vikings are proving to come up big in clutch time, as Cam Bynum’s late interception of Mike White clinched the win against New York. There’s a gap between the Vikings and the two teams they’ve lost to (Eagles and Cowboys), but they’re still the third-best team in the NFC right now.”
Vinnie Iyer-Sporting News
Last week: 6
This week: 5
Iyer believes in the Vikings and credited head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“The Vikings continue to be disrespected because they do have defensive issues with an inconsistent yet sometimes explosive offense. It’s true they tend to win a lot of close games, home or away, including the Jets’ contest, but that’s a testament to their tougher and more confident mental makeup under rookie coach Kevin O’Connell.”
Dan Hanzus-NFL.com
Last week: 7
This week: 6
Like myself, Hanzus credited the Vikings red zone defense for their success.
“The Vikings’ astounding success in one-score games (9-0) continued Sunday with another narrow win, this time a 27-22 conquest against a stubborn young Jets team. The Vikings won because their defense stood strong in the red zone, holding New York to one touchdown in six trips inside the Minnesota 20. You can’t argue with the Vikings’ record, but Kirk Cousins will need to play better if Minnesota is to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender. The veteran missed some layups against the Jets and continues to perform at levels below his career norms. Does that mean a hot streak is coming for one of the NFL’s most consistent producers? We wouldn’t bet against it.”
