The Vikings are only five games into the season, and all sorts of things can happen.
But at this moment in time, based on Football Outsiders odds and simulations — which are pretty complex and worth way more than any power ranking — the Vikings are in pretty lofty company. For example:
• Football Outsiders simulations have the Vikings slated for 12.1 victories this season — better than any other team in the NFL. They have the Vikings with a 61.1 percent chance of having a first-round playoff bye and a 93.9 percent chance of making the playoffs, better than any other team in the league.
• The Vikings a whopping 52 percent chance of reaching the NFC title game. But what you really care about is the Super Bowl. The Vikings check in with a 30.1 percent chance of reaching the Super Bowl and a 17.4 percent chance of winning the Super Bowl. Again, both are best in the league.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
