Following the thrilling 30-27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears, the Vikings saw a slight rise in their ESPN power ranking. Entering Week 12, Minnesota was ranked No. 6, but after beating the Bears, the Vikings entered Week 13 as the fifth-best team in the NFL.
The FPI accurately puts the Vikings’ defense at the top of the reasons the team is in an excellent position for a playoff berth. Coordinator Brian Flores’ group bamboozled opposing quarterbacks early this season and has continued to find ways to pile up takeaways (22) and sacks (38). . . The Vikings have gotten far more from quarterback Sam Darnold, including 21 touchdown passes, than anyone could have expected.
On Sunday, the Vikings will host the Arizona Cardinals, who just lost to the Seahawks. According to ESPN, Arizona is the 14th-ranked team. The Cardinals are currently 6-5 on the year.
The game will go a long way for both teams attempting to earn a division title.