Like a few experts in this week’s power rankings, It has taken some time to articulate the mood of this season after the disgusting 12-10 loss last Monday night against the Chicago Bears.
The defense was asked to do too much, our QB did everything that will get you benched in the NFL, our receivers were either shaky or nonexistent, and the play calling managed to regress further. Even Jordan Addison had a decidedly bad game.
It has been a brutal fall from grace after losing to two of the teams (Denver, Chicago) that, through a good chunk of the season, were aggressively fighting for the number one draft pick.
While the Vikings still find themselves on track for a wildcard playoff spot, the hope of that coming true was seriously damaged in the loss to Chicago. While the Vikings can’t relinquish the spot completely tomorrow, they can easily find themselves tied for that postseason birth.
Getting me through the week is the belief that if there is one thing that is certain with this team, it is that nothing is certain. Sure, you can say that about the league as a whole, but the Vikings take that sentiment and turn it up to 11.
It has been a strange last two seasons, and I for one doubt that the football gods are done playing their tricks on this team.
Hey, at least there is something to look forward to: Justin Jefferson is looking more likely than ever to return in week 15.
ESPN: #15 (down 2 from #13)
FPI Rankings: Offense: 19, Defense: 10, Special teams: 26
The Vikings have played more games without injured star receiver Justin Jefferson (7) than they have with him (5) and have started three different quarterbacks, so to have an average offense this season should be considered an accomplishment. Their defense has been perhaps the biggest factor in getting them back in the playoff race after an 0-3 start. From Week 4 to Week 12, it ranked No. 2 in the NFL in defensive efficiency. Their special teams has produced two successful fake punts, but very little in the return game. — Kevin Seifert
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