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2021 NFL Power Rankings: Minnesota Vikings

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Minnesota Vikings rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Vikings in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 17

Prediction we missed: How quickly Christian Darrisaw would impact the offensive line.

The 23rd overall pick missed the entire preseason (groin surgery). So I didn't expect his impact to be as significant as it has been once he supplanted Rashod Hill as the starting left tackle. Darrisaw took on two dominant edge rushers in Brian Burns and Haason Reddick in his first start at Carolina and allowed only one pressure. Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill noted that quarterback Kirk Cousins felt like he didn't even notice Darrisaw in the game, a sign that the rookie tackle held his own protecting the QB's blindside. While the sample size is limited (Darrisaw has played only 117 snaps in two games), the Vikings' pass protection has been noticeably better when he has been in action, which should be a sign of good things to come. -- Courtney Cronin

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

On a recent edition of the Around The NFL Podcast, we probed Vikings beat reporter Arif Hasan on the relationship between Mike Zimmer and Kirk Cousins. The tension between the head coach and starting quarterback seems palpable at times, but Hasan asserted that any frustrations with Cousins as a QB (or teammate) are largely negated by his play. The veteran might not ever inspire lengthy monologues about his leadership abilities, but he stacks numbers, year after year. The production will sneak up on you: In 58 games as Minnesota's starter, Cousins has completed over 69 percent of his 1,805 attempts for 104 touchdowns and just 31 interceptions. His passer rating of 103.9 over that span represents the production of a star. Why don't we see him that way?

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They evened their record at 3-3 two weeks ago, but now face a proving game of sorts at home against the Cowboys. It's time for Kirk Cousins to show out in a big game.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

Hope your bye week was restful, gents. A horror show begins Halloween night with a visit from Dallas ... followed by matchups against Baltimore, the Bolts and Green Bay.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Trick or treat: Are the Vikings just dressed as a scary opponent and possible sleeper because it's late October? Or is Kirk Cousins going to stay hot and guide this team on a real run? Cousins is completing just short of 70 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns versus just two interceptions. The Vikings' three losses have all come down to the final possession, and if Dalvin Cook is healthy, this offense can still ascend. The trick-or-treat question might be answered soon. The Vikings' next four games: Cowboys, at Ravens, at Chargers, Packers.

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