Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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No. 16 (up 3 spots): Conor Orr (The MMQB) – Sports Illustrated
The Vikings had surged back into the playoff picture by winning five of their previous six games, but the loss in Tampa Bay set them back in their quest to salvage their season. Dan Bailey's three missed field goals and one errant extra point cost them 10 points.
No. 15 (up 2 spots): Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News
The Vikings were let down by their kicking game, but they also can't make up enough for their defensive deficiencies with an injury-riddled and rebuilding group. The playoffs can still be reached, but they're a shell of the division-round advancers from 2019.
No. 16 (up 1 spot): Courtney Cronin – ESPN.com
Note: ESPN looked at team rankings in all three phases. ESPN has the Vikings ranked 13th in offense, 18th on defense and 31st in special teams.
Given how the Vikings defense started the season, with multiple injuries and a number of rookies called on early, its current FPI ranking is remarkable. The offense has been moving the ball efficiently behind Dalvin Cook and a plethora of receiving options, but special-teams issues have snowballed into a full-blown crisis. The Vikings lost to the Bucs on Sunday in large part because of Dan Bailey's four missed kicks that left 10 points on the table. Minnesota can't afford for its kicking issues to continue after its playoff chances took a massive hit against Tampa Bay. Another mistake-laden loss would likely derail the Vikings playoff hopes.
No. 15 (down 1 spot): Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk
And now they'll beat the Bears and then the Saints and then have a chance to get into the playoffs by beating the Lions in Week 17 . . . and lose.