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ESPN Week 4 Power Rankings: Minnesota Vikings Ascending Quickly

By Ryan Palmer

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts after making a sack in the fourth quarter. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts after making a sack in the fourth quarter. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN has released their Power Rankings for Week 4. After another strong performance on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings are ascending the ranks.

A lot of people doubted early. How could the Minnesota Vikings lose the majority of their starting offense and still have a chance…

Well, SportingSota believed. Minnesota arrives in the Top 5-   (View complete ESPN Rankings here)

ESPN’s Top Ten for Week 4

  1. Denver Broncos
  2. New England Patriots
  3. Seattle Seahawks
  4. Minnesota Vikings
  5. Arizona Cardinals
  6. Green Bay Packers
  7. Philadelphia Eagles
  8. Carolina Panthers
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers
  10. Baltimore Ravens

One could argue that the Vikings should be ahead of the Seahawks at three, but it’s a welcome sight to see Minnesota land in the fourth spot. Here is what ESPN had to say about the Minnesota Vikings.

"The Vikings lead the NFL in sacks and have allowed the third-fewest points (13.3) this season. Quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Shaun Hill have played well, but it is the defense that has carried the Vikings to their 3-0 start. The Vikings host the Giants on Monday night in Week 4."

More from Sporting Sota

It appears that great defenses are dominating early. With the exception of the Steelers, each team in the top ten has flashed defensively. Minnesota may have flashed the brightest however.

Anytime your squad is mentioned alongside the Purple People Eaters, Mike Zimmer is doing something right. The defensive guru has the Vikes playing for each other, and they are undefeated in the process.

The Vikings currently have three players ranking among the top five in total sacks. Linval Joseph and Danielle Hunter are both at the fifth spot, while Everson Griffen also has some company at number two. Griffen has taken on a definite leadership role for this young group of future and current stars. Griffen’s constant motor and relentlessness set the tone.

Next: Minnesota Vikings Pass Rush: Best in the League?

In a very winnable match-up, the Vikings host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Fans are hopeful that the Vikings can take care of business against a Giants team that we should defeat. No let downs in sight, Vikings go to 4-0, and Head Coach Mike Zimmer is the front-runner for Coach of the Year.

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