Vikings are top 20 team despite only 1 win: Mark Craig's NFL power rankings

October 14, 2020 at 11:34AM
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) during practice at TCO Performance Center.] Jerry Holt •Jerry.Holt@startribune.com Vikings practice at TCO Performance Center Wednesday October 7,2020 in Eagan ,MN.
Dalvin Cook practiced last week. If he practices this week, the Vikings have a better chance to rise up the rankings after Sunday. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Mark Craig's Week 6 Power Rankings

1. Ravens (4-1)

The best defense in football has nine fumble recoveries and a takeaway in a league-high 18 straight games.

2. Chiefs (4-1)

Even Patrick Mahomes has a limit on the amount of horrendous defensive miscues he can overcome.

3. Packers (4-0)

One of the first actual planned bye weeks of the COVID-19 season should have Green Bay rested and ready for Tom Brady.

4. Seahawks (5-0)

Seattle is now 2-0 against the Vikings in games in which 27-yard field goals are missed and 24-yard field goals are not tried.

5. Titans (4-0)

New formula for a clean, crisp, dominating performance against an undefeated, red-hot opponent: Don't play or practice for 16 days.

6. Bills (4-1)

Are we sure it wasn't Buffalo who hadn't played or practiced in 16 days?

7. Raiders (3-2)

The league's best effort of 2020 stuns Kansas City with a gritty defense and Derek Carr touchdown passes of 72 and 59 yards.

8. Steelers (4-0)

Ohio native Ben Roethlisberger is 12-0 at home against the Browns. Next up: The 4-1 Browns.

9. Patriots (2-2)

The way New England's luck is going, a young girl from Kansas will be dropping a house on Bill Belichick any day now.

10. Browns (4-1)

The last time the Browns were 4-1, people in 1994 were saying, "So, tell me more about this internet thingy."

11. Saints (3-2)

Like Seattle, they are far from perfect. Like Seattle, their QB allows them to survive punches that would KO most teams.

12. Bears (4-1)

Are the Bears really the 12th-best team in football? Probably not. But they keep winning.

13. Buccaneers (3-2)

Judging by last week's reaction, Tom Brady does NOT approve of teammates committing five penalties on one possession.

14. Rams (4-1)

L.A. looked really good against the Washington Not So Good Football Team.

15. Colts (3-2)

Bad Philip did nothing to help what had been a strong defense as it allowed the Browns to convert 10 of 17 third downs.

16. Panthers (3-2)

Former Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater is 8-2 in his past 10 regular-season starts. Kirk Cousins is 4-6.

17. Cardinals (3-2)

Nothing spells R-E-L-A-X quite like J-E-T-S!

18. Dolphins (2-3)

Picking Sunday's Upset Special was about three touchdowns easier than expected as the eight-point underdogs beat the 49ers by 26.

19. Cowboys (2-3)

The league got worse the moment Dak's foot went sideways.

20. Vikings (1-4)

On a positive note, trailing Seattle by four wins through five games makes it less likely the Vikings will have to go back to Seattle again next year.

21. Eagles (1-3-1)

Philly D-coordinator Jim Schwartz tried everything but couldn't catch Chase Claypool.

22. 49ers (2-3)

They're trending toward becoming the third NFC champion in the past five years to miss the playoffs the following season.

23. Bengals (1-3-1)

Joe Burrow was sacked seven times in a 24-point loss to Baltimore. Welcome to the AFC North, kid.

24. Chargers (1-4)

He looks young enough to be playing on Friday nights, but Justin Herbert plays like a future star of Monday nights.

25. Washington (1-4)

He was sacked six times after starter Kyle Allen was KO'd. Welcome back to the Washington Not So Good Football Team, Alex Smith.

26. Lions (1-3)

Matt Patricia versus Doug Marrone this week. Someone could be getting voted off the island.

27. Broncos (1-3)

Broncos players weren't happy that their game against the Patriots was first moved to Monday night and then postponed. Um, guys, it's 2020. No one's happy.

28. Texans (1-4)

Romeo Crennel, 73, became the oldest coach in NFL history to beat a really bad

Jaguars team.

29. Giants (0-5)

Relax, Joe Judge. The Giants usually fire their coach every other season.

30. Jaguars (1-4)

The Colts lost to these guys?

31. Falcons (0-5)

What are the odds Dan Quinn won't be reminded of Super Bowl LI for the rest of his life? 28 to 3?

32. Jets (0-5)

Disgruntled running back Le'Veon Bell doesn't want to talk to the New York media. Problem solved.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

See More