The Week 13 power rankings are filing in and the Vikings are once again a clear-cut top eight team in the NFL.
In terms of NFL rank according to record, the Carolina Panthers (11-0) are the top cat while the Patriots (10-1) are the best in the AFC. Arizona (9-2), Denver (9-2) and Cincinnati (9-2) are the only other teams with a better record than the Vikings (8-3).
Minnesota’s opponent this week, the Seattle Seahawks, is ranked just behind them in all of the below lists.
NFL.com: #7, up 1 spot
“People can talk all they want about Carolina not getting respect, but here are the Vikings at 8-3. Why not talk about these guys? Adrian Petersonmade Hamburger Helper out of the Falcons’ meaty run defense, while the Vikings‘ D made Matt Ryan appear to be, well, Matt Ryan. The inconsistent quarterback was ineffective throughout, including an all-important pick by the ageless Terrance Newman in the end zone. Love T-New.”
Pro Football Talk: #8, up 2 spots
“The Steve Hutchinson/Nate Burleson Tit-for-Tat Bowl finally has both teams playing for something other than spite.”
Yahoo! Sports: #6, up 2 spots
“Adrian Peterson has 1,164 yards with five games to go. Last year, only six backs had more than 1,164 yards over the full 16-game season.”
Washington Post: #6, up 2 spots
The Vikings reclaimed first place in the NFC North with Sunday’s triumph at Atlanta following the Packers’ Thanksgiving night loss. The regular season finale, with the Vikings playing at Green Bay, could be for the division title.
SB Nation: #7, up 2 spots
“Adrian Peterson is having an MVP-caliber season, leading the league in rushing and forming the foundation for a run-based offense. The defense is quietly second in the NFL in opponent points per game (17.6), and Anthony Barr continues to play well. This is a well-rounded team.”
FanSided: #6, down 1 spot
“That killer instinct will prove worthwhile for Minnesota as the team now attempts to hold on to the top spot in the NFC North.”
