Minnesota Vikings Power Rankings Review: Week 16 edition

After a blowout win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the experts have weighed in on where they feel the Minnesota Vikings are in the Week 16 Power Rankings.

The Week 15 game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals did a lot for the boys in purple. Not only did it clinch them a playoff spot, but it also got them their second NFC North title in 3 years.

Still, not every expert is showing the Vikings as much love as they may deserve, as recent power rankings revealed that there is still a huge margin between those who see a Super Bowl team and others who just seen a good squad.

Let’s dive right into the power rankings for Week 16 from the experts around the internet to see where Minnesota sits heading into Week 16 after their big 34-7 win in front of their hometown crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium:

Ranked #2

Chris Simms – Bleacher Report: “Minnesota can do it all offensively and defensively. It’s one of the best teams in football.” (No change)
Elliott Harrison – NFL.com: “If Carson Wentz was a certifiable MVP candidate, then Keenum is, too” (Up 1 spot)

Ranked #3

Bryan Fischer – Athlon Sports: “Given how shaky the Eagles looked, being able to snag home-field advantage throughout the playoffs might still be on the table for perhaps the most complete team in the league.” (Up 1 spot)
MMQB Staff – Sports Illustrated: “Highest-Place Vote: Second (5), Lowest-Place Vote: Fifth” (Down 1 spot)
USA TODAY Sports: “Was there a more heartwarming moment league-wide this season than the way Minnesota’s fans officially welcomed Teddy Bridgewater back to action?” (No change)
Mark Maske – Washington Post: “The ovation for QB Teddy Bridgewater in his appearance Sunday was a terrific moment. But this is undeniably Case Keenum’s team at this point” (Up 1 spot)

Ranked #4

Brandon Lee Gowten – Bleeding Green Nation: “After losing last week, Minnesota got back on track with a blowout win over a bad Cincy team.” (No change)
ESPN.com: “It’s pretty remarkable that one of the four teams with at least 11 wins this season has no player on its roster with more than two Pro Bowl selections” (Up 1 spot)
Joshua Schrock – NESN.com: “Minnesota locked up the NFC North by pummeling the Cincinnati Bengals.” (No change)
Manish Mehta – New York Daily News: “Case Keenum bounced back from a three-turnover nightmare that led many (including me) to think his days as the starter might be numbered.” (No Change)
Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk: “Can a coach and a quarterback with limited playoff experience win against a coach and a quarterback with plenty?” (No change)
Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News: “The defense dominated and the running game delivered in a get-well outing against the hapless Bengals.” (No change)

Ranked #5

Frank Schwab – Yahoo Sports: “Xavier Rhodes has held Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Odell Beckham and A.J. Green to nine catches for 94 yards when he’s been in coverage on them, dating back to last season.” (Down 1 spot)

Ranked #7

Pete Prisco – CBS Sports: “The Vikings are playing for the No. 1 seed the next two weeks. If they get it, Mike Zimmer might be the coach of the year. (No change)
Brad Briggs – Chicago Tribune: “Week 17 finale against Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium could have huge meaning for Minnesota if No. 1 seed in NFC playoffs is at stake.” (No change)

Next: Last week's Vikings Power Rating Review

There’s a big gap between the second best and seventh best teams in the NFL, and mostly it still boils down to whether or not the expert believes that the Minnesota Vikings can sustain their offense to team with the strong defense. We’ll find out more on Saturday night against the Packers.