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Minnesota Vikings: No respect in latest ESPN Power Rankings

By Ryan Palmer

Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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What else do the Minnesota Vikings have to accomplish to earn a little respect? Outrageously ESPN has the Vikes ranked in double digits, according to their latest NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN released their Preseason Power Rankings, and surprisingly the Minnesota Vikings barely made the top ten.

Am I wrong for feeling outraged???

ESPN’s Top Ten-

  1. Seattle Seahawks
  2. Arizona Cardinals
  3. New England Patriots
  4. Green Bay Packers
  5. Carolina Panthers
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers
  7. Cincinnati Bengals
  8. Denver Broncos
  9. Kansas City Chiefs
  10. Minnesota Vikings

ESPN had this to say about the Minnesota Vikings-

"In 2013, the year before coach Mike Zimmer arrived, the Vikings ranked last in points allowed. In 2015, Zimmer’s second year, they finished fifth. If the offense can score some points, expect the Vikings to stay in the top 10."

Seattle leading the pack?

Let’s start with the Seattle Seahawks at number one. Did anyone watch last years playoff match up? The Vikings’ dominated for the majority of the game, only losing due to a fluke kicking error. Minnesota is bringing back the majority of last year’s starters that had Seattle on the ropes.

The only thing that has changed for the Vikings is they have gotten better. Seattle has lost a major cog in their offense over the last few seasons in Marshawn Lynch. Michael Bennett is unhappy on defense, and Jimmy Graham is coming off a major injury.

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Green Bay ahead of Vikings?

Did the Green Bay Packers win the NFC North last season? Apparently a hobbled Jordy Nelson is just what the Packers need to overtake the 2015 NFC North Division Champion Minnesota Vikings. Unbelievable. Jordan Rodgers has snagged more headlines than his brother as of late.

There is no denying his ability but Aaron Rodger’s is not getting any younger. Green Bay will eventually fall from the mountain top, and that tumble started last season. The Packers’ defense is aging along the defensive front, and now Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews are in the midst of a PED investigation by the NFL.

Cincinnati at number seven?

https://twitter.com/JimOwczarski/status/763463131360141312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Even Cincinnati’s own were touting the Minnesota Vikings dominance. How soon people forget. Just last week the Minnesota Vikings dominated two practice sessions; leading up to a Vikings 17-16 victory Friday night over Cincy.

Next: Teddy Bridgewater primed to lead Minnesota to Super Bowl

This is turning out to be a “prove it” type of season for Head Coach Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings. Too many folks think Minnesota cannot sustain or repeat last year’s successes. Vikings’ nation disagrees, let the season begin!

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