The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings Week 9 player rankings: The streak continues

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: Members of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after Stefon Diggs #14 scored a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: Members of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after Stefon Diggs #14 scored a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball for a 15 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball for a 15 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

10. Trae Waynes (New!)

Ever since returning from his injury, Waynes has been playing some excellent football. Now that other defensive backs are starting to get banged up, the team has to rely on him more than ever to hold his own against some strong offenses.

With Xavier Rhodes out with an injury, Waynes became the team’s veteran on-field leader at cornerback. And with young players like Holton Hill and Mackensie Alexander, taking on roles and safeties joining the fray, the secondary did work against the Saints.

Waynes led the team in tackles, racking up seven during the game with six of them being solo. Plus, he did a great job in coverage, keeping the talented New Orleans receivers in check.

9. Kyle Rudolph (Up 1 spot)

Looking at the stat line, it might seem like Rudolph had a decent, but not great game. Catching four of the seven passes thrown his way for a total for 39 yards with 25 of those coming on a fruitless final drive may not do much for fans but he did much more than get some yards.

In fact, it was Rudolph’s blocking that made him extremely valuable to the team, springing some massive holes in both the run game and after receptions from his fellow pass catchers. This is a part of the game he has been showing off well during the last couple of weeks.

8. Xavier Rhodes (Down 1 spot)

This week, Rhodes missed the game because of a foot injury. Sadly, seeing him continue to drop down the player rankings is a bit upsetting because just about everyone knows how much of a shutdown corner he can be.

Good news regarding Rhodes is that he was only questionable heading into the game on Sunday, meaning with some more time to heal and prepare, the squad may actually get back their star cornerback for Week 9 against the Lions.

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