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NFL Power Rankings: Vikings Climb After Win Over Packers

Week 1 scores led to a widespread shuffling of Power Rankings across the NFL.

After a 23-7 victory against Green Bay, Minnesota was one of the league's biggest risers.

Here's a look at where the Vikings rank heading into Week 2:

No. 7 (up 13 spots): Dan Hanzus – NFL.com

Here's something dumb: A wide receiver has never won the MVP award. NEVER. Could Justin Jefferson end the drought? The third-year superstar was untouchable on Sunday against the Packers, piling up nine catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-7 win over the three-time defending division champs. According to ESPN, Jefferson averaged 4 yards of separation on his 11 targets, gaining 138 of his receiving yards on plays when he had at least 3 yards of separation — next-level dominance. Give some credit to new coach and play caller Kevin O'Connell, who moved Jefferson around the field and appears ready to use his top receiver in more imaginative ways than previously seen in Minnesota. Jefferson is a cheat code, and the Vikes look primed to take full advantage.

No. 9 (up 9 spots): NFL Staff – Bleacher Report

The Vikings were in complete control against their NFC North rivals in every facet of the game. Offensively, they got an efficient game from quarterback Kirk Cousins and big outings from running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Defensively, they held Aaron Rodgers under 200 passing yards and allowed only three third-down conversions on nine attempts.

"It's important not to overreact to any single game," Gary Davenport said. "But in Week 1, the Vikings looked like the best team in the NFC North. The offense was crisp and aggressive. The defense was stout and put the clamps on Rodgers. If the Vikings can string together a few performances like that, they might not only be a team that can make the playoffs, but one who can do some damage once they get there."

No. 7 (up 7 spots): Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News

The Vikings unleashed Justin Jefferson and the rest of their diverse, dynamic offense more right away with new coach Kevin O'Connell. They also got more aggressive and active on defense for Ed Donatell to make a big-time statement vs. the Packers.

No. 7 (up 5 spots): Pete Prisco – CBS Sports

They got off to an impressive start in beating the Packers in dominant fashion. The defense really impressed, and Justin Jefferson was unstoppable.

No. 13: Conor Orr – Sports Illustrated

This was the team I was afraid I was very wrong about this offseason. While it's just one week, and the Packers have played some awful games early in the season during the Aaron Rodgers era, Kevin O'Connell's ability to scheme Justin Jefferson to an average target separation (4 yards) almost double that of Ja'Marr Chase is stunning.

No. 18 (up 4 spots): Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk

Things could get very interesting in the NFC North this year.

No. 9 (up 8 spots): Nate Davis – USA TODAY Sports

How good is WR Justin Jefferson? He exceeded 90 receiving yards Sunday both from the slot and while lining up wide. An historic season could be in the offing given his talent, production and versatility.

No. 11 (up 8 spots): Frank Schwab – Yahoo! Sports

Justin Jefferson will get some MVP buzz at some point. He won't win because non-QBs don't get considered anymore, but he'll have the type of season that gets that kind of attention. He has a chance to set some records with Kevin O'Connell featuring him prominently.

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