Following a loss to the Lions and losing rookie running back Dalvin Cook, experts have the Minnesota Vikings sliding down the Week 5 power rankings.
Last week, the Minnesota Vikings were soaring up the power rankings of most media outlets thanks to the convincing win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home and a strong offensive performance.
Sadly, that’s not the case after Week 4. An ugly loss with three turnovers and a devastating injury to rookie running back has the team taking a dive back down the rankings, moving them back to the middle of the pack.
Here are where some of the bigger media outlets have the Minnesota Vikings placed on their power rankings heading into week 5 of the NFL season:
Ranked at #11
- Yahoo Sports – Frank Schwab: “With Dalvin Cook out for the season, it just seems like we’re going to be getting the 2016 Vikings all over again.” (Down 6 spots)
Ranked at #13
- Bleacher Report – Chris Simms: “This defense is still special, but when injuries and mistakes affect the offense, it’s hard to win.” (Down 6 spots)
- FanSided – Russel Baxter: “The loss of Cook is a huge blow for a team that had put him to good use early in the season.” (Down 3 spots)
Ranked at #16
- NBC Sports – Peter Hailey: “The Vikings’ loss to the Lions was just their second most unfortunate result on the day.” (Down 7 spots)
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Ranked at #17
- ESPN.com: “Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook are hurt, which means the Minnesota offense might not be as explosive moving forward, but the defense is still intact.” (Down 6 spots)
- NFL.com – Elliot Harrison: “Large shift down for the Vikings, with Dalvin Cook’s season-ending injury a huge factor.” (Down 8 spots)
- Washington Post – Mark Maske: “Latavius Murray takes over at RB and the Vikings will attempt to regroup Monday night at Chicago.” (Down 4 spots)
Ranked at #18
- CBS SPORTS – Pete Prisco: “When do the injuries stop for this team? They lost rookie runner Dalvin Cook for the year with a torn ACL. Are they jinxed?” (Down 11 spots)
- Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio: “The Vikings don’t need a running back; they need an exorcist.” (Down 4 spots)
- Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer: “There’s too much pressure on the defense now for the Vikings to hold up in the division.” (Down 7 spots)
Ranked at #19
- USA TODAY Sports: “A Sam Bradford-Dalvin Cook backfield provided so much hope on opening night. It may never be together again if QB bolts next spring.” (Down 6 spots)
Next: Running back options for the Vikings
Where do you think the Minnesota Vikings should be in the power rankings following their Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions and just how much impact wil the loss of Dalvin Cook have on their future? Let us know what you think in the comments below.