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News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com

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NFL Power Rankings: Vikings in Most Experts' Top 10s

After a tightly contested win in London, Minnesota (3-1) sits second in the NFC standings behind Philadelphia, the NFL's only undefeated team.

The Vikings will look to go 3-0 at home against NFC North opponents as Chicago (2-2) comes to town.

Here's a look at where the Vikings rank heading into Week 5:

No. 9 (no change): Dan Hanzus – NFL.com

The Vikings responded to a humbling prime-time loss to the Eagles with back-to-back four- and three-point victories. This bodes well for a team that figures to play in plenty of close games this season. The biggest development in Sunday's win over the Saints in London was the return of Justin Jefferson as a prolific playmaker. After a pair of quiet outings, the third-year wideout scored untouched on a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, then had the 39-yard reception that set up Greg Joseph's game-winner in the final minute of play. Jefferson is Kevin O'Connell's one true trump card: When he's on, Minnesota can play with any team in the league.

No. 7 (up 2 spots): NFL Staff – Bleacher Report

As has often been the case with games across the pond, Sunday's tilt between the Saints and Vikings wasn't an especially well-played game. It was an exciting one, though, with a double-doink on a 61-yard field goal as time expired coming up short and handing the Vikings a win that propelled Minnesota to 3-1 and kept them atop the NFC North.

After the win, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins told reporters that while Minnesota was glad to earn the victory, the team wasn't especially happy about how they did so in a game where they were 2-for-5 in the red zone.

"You feel great about the win, but you also feel that there's a lot you leave out there," he said. "We've got to get better. I've got to get better."

The Vikings haven't exactly been piling up the style points the past couple of weeks. But those don't matter nearly as much as the final score. And with the Vikings off to their best start since 2016, that long plane ride back to the States [was] a lot more pleasant.

No. 8 (up 2 spots): Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News

The Vikings figured out how to get Justin Jefferson going like he exploded in Week 1 and their defense took advantage of a shorthanded Saints offense. They're still a work in progress so they should be thrilled with the early record.

No. 7 (up 4 spots): Pete Prisco – CBS Sports

At 3-1, they are in first place [in the NFC North] after a victory over the Saints in London. The good news is they got Justin Jefferson back on track. The defense, though, has to be better.

No. 10 (down 1 spot): Conor Orr – Sports Illustrated

The Vikings are effectively weaponizing most areas of the field now and are starting to create some serious space for guys not named Justin Jefferson when their elite No. 1 draws too much attention. Third-and-goal from the 15? No problem. Backup running back Alexander Mattison will walk one in.

No. 14 (up 2 spots): Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk

In past years, the Vikings would find a way to lose close games. This year, they're finding a way to win them.

Look back at photos over the course of time featuring games between the Vikings and the Bears.

No. 6 (up 1 spot): Nate Davis – USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, first-round S Lewis [Cine's] leg injury (a compound fracture, per NFL Network) was so severe, he's remaining in London for surgery and the initial stages of his recovery until he's well enough to fly home.

Editor's Note: Cine underwent successful surgery Tuesday after Davis published his Power Ranking.

No. 11 (down 2 spots): Frank Schwab – Yahoo! Sports

The Vikings didn't look great in London, but Justin Jefferson made the plays when he had to. In a league that has just about every team trending toward the middle, it's not bad to be 3-1, even with some ugly wins.

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