NFL Issues Fines For Matt Kalil And Jasper Brinkley, But Not Jared Allen

NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Where Minnesota Is Mystifying

The NFL power rankings for Week 3 stay pretty similar at the top with the San Francisco 49ers in front of everyone else, but we're wondering just good the San Diego Super Chargers are this season.

2012 NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Vikings Fall After Loss

The Minnesota Vikings have taken a dip in NFL power ranking from around the web after losing their Week 2 contest to the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings were already ranked low last week so they didn't have far to fall, but they did drop at least one spot in all rankings.

In Joel Thorman's power rankings at SB Nation the Vikings slipped from 24th last week to 25th this week. At ESPN, the Vikings also dropped just one spot, from 28th to 29th. Pete Prisco at CBS was a little harsher on the Vikes, moving them down three spots from 27th to 30th, which makes them the lowest ranked team with a win in his rankings. And over at Fox, Brian Billick also dropped Minnesota three spots in his rankings, down from 25th to 28th, summing them up thusly:

This is a team that just isn't very good right now. The lone bright spot on Sunday was Percy Harvin, who had a career-high 12 receptions. Even star RB Adrian Peterson is going to struggle behind that offensive line.

That gives the Vikings an average ranking of 28th between the four sites. All four sites agreed that the San Francisco 49ers are the top ranked team at the moment.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, check out Daily Norseman. For news from around the league, be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Vikings Small Injuries Added Up On Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings suffered a number of minor injuries Sunday in their 23-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but none that will keep any player out for a significant period of time.

Wide receiver Percy Harvin dealt with cramping issues throughout Sunday's contest, leaving the game twice, however, returning both times. Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com writes that Harvin is not overly concerned about the issue.

"I got tackled kind of funny on my calf muscle, so it just kept flaring up," Harvin said. "So, drinking fluids, pickle juice, all that. I was able to finish the game. I'm fine."

Linebacker Erin Henderson had to leave the game temporarily with an apparent elbow injury. He did return to the game. Fullback Jerome Felton suffered a leg injury in the second quarter. He too returned to the game.

Safety Mistral Raymond missed much of the fourth quarter due to hydration problems. Dehydration has been a recurring issue for Raymond as cramps forced him to miss two games last season.

Defensive end Brian Robison also suffered an apparent arm injury in the fourth quarter.

For more on the Vikings, head over to Daily Norseman or SB Nation Minnesota. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

NFL Injury Report: Vikings Escape Week 2 With No Major Injuries

The Minnesota Vikings squandered a fourth quarter comeback on Sunday when they allowed Andrew Luck to lead the Indianapolis Colts into field goal range with less than 30 seconds left, where Adam Vinatieri booted through the game-winning kick. But if there was any silver lining in Minnesota's 23-20 loss, it was that the team escaped the game with no major injuries.

With a Week 3 matchup vs. the San Francisco 49ers looming, the Vikings will be practicing at full health and will only have to worry about getting previously injured players up to speed. One notable player on that front is receiver Jairus Wright, who missed his second straight game after injuring his ankle in the team's final preseason game. Wright, a 2012 fourth-round pick from Arkansas, was expected to have a role in Minnesota's offense this season.

For more on the Vikings, head over to Daily Norseman or SB Nation Minnesota. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Vikings Vs. Colts: Jared Allen Embarrassed By Minnesota Defense

The Minnesota Vikings rallied to tie the Indianapolis Colts with just 31 seconds to play in the fourth quarter, but despite having little time, Andrew Luck was able to guide Indianapolis into range for the game-winning field goal. The Colts prevailed, 23-20.

After the game, Minnesota defensive end Jared said he was not proud of the effort from the team's defense. "That was embarrassing," Allen said. "Yeah, I don't know. I've got nothing to say."

The Vikings rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final quarter only to have their hopes dashed by that last effort from the Colts' offense. Overall, though, Minnesota's defense wasn't bad. The Vikings allowed just 278 total yards to the Colts, who averaged just 4.4 yards per play.

Minnesota hosts the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Vikings Vs. Colts 2012: Christian Ponder Plays Well In 4th Quarter

The Minnesota Vikings came up short on Sunday, but they finished with a strong fourth-quarter rally that nearly turned the tide. SB Nation's Daily Norseman appreciated the play of quarterback Christian Ponder over the final 15 minutes:

There's something cool about a guy that can bring a team back from two scores down and tie the game late. Yeah, there was a little luck involved, but still, hat tip to the young kid for not giving up and putting the Vikings in position to win the game. Those last two drives were impressive, and absolutely big time and clutch.

Ponder helped the Vikings erase a two-touchdown deficit and tie the game late, but the Colts were able to come right back and get into position for a game-winning field goal. Ponder finished the day 27-35 for 245 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

For more in-depth coverage, visit Vikings blog Daily Norseman. And for all your pro football needs, be sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Vikings At Colts Final Score: Minnesota Loses On Last-Second Field Goal

The Minnesota Vikings got a 55-yard field goal from Blair Walsh in Week 1 against Jacksonville to force overtime and ultimately escape with a 26-23 victory. In Week 2, they got a taste of their own medicine.

After a furious comeback that saw the Vikings tie the game after being down by 14 points with ten minutes remaining, Andrew Luck maneuvered the Indianapolis Colts into position to give veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri a chance at a 53-yard field goal. Vinatieri did what he's done for most of his career, drilling the kick down the middle, and the Vikings didn't have another miracle in them, as they took the loss to fall to 1-1.

Statistically, Christian Ponder played another solid game for the Minnesota Vikings, completing 27-of-35 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Vikings' offense took quite a while to really "wake up," much the same as they did against Jacksonville.

It also didn't help that the Vikings were flagged for ten penalties in the game, resulting in 100 yards worth of penalties. Many of them came in big situations, particularly after third down stops. It's tough for any team to overcome that many miscues.

We'll have a more thorough analysis of this one shortly. For now, the Vikings fall to 1-1 on the season, and will host the San Francisco 49ers at the Metrodome next week. The Colts' record also goes to 1-1, and they will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at home next weekend.

Vikings At Colts Score: Stephen Burton Beneficiary Of Lucky Bounce

The Minnesota Vikings are on the comeback trail, but it might be too little, too late.

The Vikings forced a three-and-out from the Colts, and started at their own 46-yard line. Minnesota, slowly but surely, made their way down the field, and pushed into the Indianapolis red zone. Eventually, the Vikings faced fourth-and-four on the Indianapolis 7-yard line.

Christian Ponder took the shotgun snap and moved to his right. He fired a pass to Kyle Rudolph in the end zone, but the ball was deflected by a defensive lineman, and off of Rudolph's hands as well. . .

. . .right into the hands of Minnesota receiver Stephen Burton, who pulled the ball in for his first career National Football League touchdown reception. It was a seven-yard reception when it was all said and done, and it cut the Indianapolis lead was cut to 20-13.

The Colts have the ball at their own 20 on the ensuing possession, and the Vikings need to get a stop here to hang onto hope of winning.

Vikings At Colts Score: Adam Vinatieri Adds To Indianapolis Lead

The Minnesota Vikings actually got some stops on third down on the Indianapolis Colts' first drive of the second half. Why did they need multiple stops?

Well, the Vikings first stopped the Colts and forced them to punt. However, on the punt, safety Andrew Sendejo was called for roughing Colts' punter Pat McAfee, so the Colts' drive continued. On the next third down, the Vikings appeared to have Indianapolis stopped again, but Jared Allen was flagged for hitting Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck out of bounds, allowing the drive to continue again.

The Vikings finally got a legitimate third down stop, as Erin Henderson and Brian Robison combined on a sack of Luck, forcing the Colts to settle for an Adam Vinatieri field goal from 45 yards out to extend the Indianapolis lead to 20-6.

With seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Vikings are just now getting the ball for the first time in the second half. They really need to get some points on the board if they want to realistically have a shot at this one.

Vikings At Colts Score: Reggie Wayne Finds The End Zone For Indianapolis

The Minnesota Vikings' afternoon has quickly gone south in Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Colts have taken full advantage of it.

After the Colts got a field goal to make the score 10-6, the Vikings had about as bad of a possession as you could have, going three and out with two incomplete passes and taking just 23 seconds off of the clock. Indianapolis got the ball back on their own 35-yard line, and started moving down the field. On a third-and-1 from the Minnesota 30-yard line, Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck rolled to his right, planted his feet, and lofted a beautiful pass to receiver Reggie Wayne in the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown pass. The Adam Vinatieri extra point made the score 17-6 Indianapolis, which is where we stand at halftime.

The Minnesota Vikings don't have a sack of Andrew Luck yet, and the Colts are currently playing four back-up offensive linemen. This is something that Minnesota needs to remedy in the second half if they want to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2009.

We're at halftime at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 17-6.

Vikings At Colts Score: Adam Vinatieri Adds Three For The Colts

The Minnesota Vikings appeared to be on the way to another successful drive against the Indianapolis Colts, but the drive was squashed at midfield, and the Colts took advantage.

On a third down play near midfield, Christian Ponder got sacked by the Colts, and fumbled the football. The Colts recovered, and started driving deep into Minnesota territory. The Colts got all the way to the Minnesota 8-yard line, but linebacker Erin Henderson came up with a huge stop on third and short for the Vikings. Indianapolis played it safe and brought in kicker Adam Vinatieri for the field goal, which he converted from 26 yards out to give the Colts a 4-point lead at 10-6.

Minnesota's offense hasn't gotten a lot of resistance from the Colts' defense thus far, but they really haven't found any openings down the field. Ponder has connected on all seven of his pass attempts thus far, but does not yet have a completion longer than 12 yards.

We're just under two minutes to go in the first half in Indianapolis, and the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 10-6.

Vikings At Colts Score: Blair Walsh Hits Again To Make It 7-6

Rookie kicker Blair Walsh is quickly becoming quite the asset for the Minnesota Vikings, as he's converted his second field goal of the afternoon to cut the Indianapolis Colts lead at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Vikings started at their own 43-yard line on their second drive thanks to a huge return for Percy Harvin, and a rush by Harvin on the second offensive play moved the Vikings to the Indianapolis 34-yard line. The Vikings continued to move the ball from there, and eventually faced a third-and-7 from the Indianapolis 16. Harvin took a toss and went around the right side, but was stopped a yard short of the first down.

Coach Leslie Frazier played it safe and brought in Walsh for a 29-yard field goal, which Walsh converted to make the score 7-6 in favor of the home team.

The Vikings knew they needed to get Percy Harvin going early, and the Vikings have attempted to do just that, as Harvin already has six touches (four pass receptions and two carries). Hopefully that trend will continue.

Christian Ponder is a perfect 6-for-6 for 51 yards in the early going, and Adrian Peterson has carried the ball six times for 30 yards.

With 11:38 left in the first half, the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 7-6.

Vikings At Colts Score: Andrew Luck Gives Indianapolis A 7-3 Lead

After the Blair Walsh field goal that gave the Minnesota Vikings an early 3-0 lead over the Indianapolis Colts, the home team answered with an impressive drive of their own to take the lead late in the first quarter.

The Vikings, just like last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, had trouble getting off of the field on third down, allowing the Colts to convert all three of their third down opportunities on the drive. The Colts even managed to overcome a personal foul penalty to move the ball deep into Minnesota territory.

On third and goal from the three-yard line, Colts' rookie quarterback Andrew Luck found a fellow rookie, tight end Dwayne Allen, in the end zone for his first touchdown pass at Lucas Oil Stadium, giving the Colts a 7-3 lead with less than a minute left in the first quarter.

The Vikings are driving again, as a big Percy Harvin kickoff return allowed the Vikings to start near midfield, and a rush by Harvin moved the Vikings into Colts territory at the Indianapolis 34-yard line.

As we start the second quarter in Indianapolis, the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 7-3.

Vikings At Colts Score: Blair Walsh Gives Minnesota Early 3-0 Lead

The Minnesota Vikings had what appeared to be a very promising first drive going against the Indianapolis Colts, but wound up having to settle for three points.

Starting from their own 23-yard line, Christian Ponder and company moved the ball down the field, distributing the ball to Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson, and converting a third-and-long with a screen to Toby Gerhart. After a carry by Gerhart put the ball near the Indianapolis red zone, offensive linemen Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt had penalties called on them on consecutive plays, and that pushed the Vikings into another third-and-long that they couldn't convert.

On came rookie kicker Blair Walsh, and he hit one from 51 yards that got just inside the right upright. The kick had plenty of leg on it, and managed to sneak between the goal posts to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.

The Minnesota scoring drive covered 44 yards in 12 plays, taking 7:12 off of the clock.

Halfway through the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings lead the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 3-0.

Minnesota Vikings Inactives: Jarius Wright and Marvin Mitchell Out For Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have seven inactive players for Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts: quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, receiver Jarius Wright, cornerback Brandon Burton, safety Robert Blanton, linebackers Marvin Mitchell and Audie Cole and offensive lineman Mark Asper.

Jarius Wright, the Vikings' fourth-round selection in this year's NFL Draft, is out for the second straight week after injuring his ankle in Minnesota's final preseason game. The rookie wideout from Arkansas figured to play into the Vikings' offense before his injury.

Linebacker Marvin Mitchell has also been limited by an ankle injury. Mitchell spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and the previous four seasons with the New Orleans Saints before signing with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. He had 30 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble for the Dolphins in 2011.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Vikings vs. Colts 2012: Game Preview, Kickoff Time, TV Schedule And More

Vikings' Everson Griffen, Letroy Guion Fined For Hits Against Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Everson Griffen and Letroy Guion were both fined on Friday for hits they inflicted upon Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert in Sunday's 26-23 overtime victory at home, according to ESPN's Tom Pelissero via Twitter.

Guion's fine was for a hit that drew a personal foul penalty on the field at the time, and came in the amount of $7,875, according to Pelissero.

Griffen's, on the other hand, was a bit steeper in price at $15,750, writes Pelissero, after his helmet-to-helmet smack on Gabbert did not draw a flag from the replacement officials on Sunday.

That hit was the only stat Griffen tallied for the day, while Guion notched two total tackles, one of them solo. The Minnesota defense registered seven total quarterback hits and two sacks on Gabbert, who threw for 260 yards on 23-of-39 passing with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Vikings travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts in Week 2 action this Sunday.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Dwight Freeney Ruled Out For Vikings Vs. Colts In Week 2

Indianapolis Colts star defensive end Dwight Freeney will not play in the team's Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings, due to a lingering ankle injury he suffered during the regular season opener against the Chicago Bears. Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier knows it changes how his offense will plan to attack the Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium (via NFL.com):

"[T]o not have Dwight on the field, it would definitely change how offenses approach you. It would change how we would approach the Colts...That's just the way it is. He's that dominant of a player, even at this stage of his career. He's still a guy that can change the game."

Things get a bit easier for Christian Ponder and the offense with Freeney out, but the Vikings will still have to find a way to neutralize Robert Mathis if they want the passing game to thrive on Sunday.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

John Carlson Is Working Toward Bigger Role In Vikings Offense

Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson has been nursing a sprained medial collateral ligament since early August, and although he does not expect a big role in Week 2, the 28-year-old pass catching threat is focused on getting back to full strength and contributing on offense. Carlson offered a very realistic and grounded perspective on what he needs to do to become more involved with what Christian Ponder, Adrian Peterson and the rest of the unit is trying to accomplish on Sundays (via the Pioneer Press):

"To expect to have a role in this offense right now is somewhat unrealistic," Carlson said. "I have to work back into that and prove I deserve it. ... I'm not where I need to be, and I understand that."

"I'll get more and more comfortable; I'll get in better shape," he said. "I am feeling better this week than last week. I approach it as I need to get better every day, that's it. I want to contribute to the offense in whatever way the coaches use me. I've got work to do."

The Vikings take on the Colts at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

John Sullivan Expected To Play Sunday Despite Injury

Vikings center John Sullivan is expected to practice Friday and play Sunday despite an ankle injury.

Sullivan was given a day to rest Thursday, but head coach Leslie Frazier believes Sullivan will be good to go, according to the Star Tribune.

"He was sore after the game (on Sunday) and was limited (Wednesday), so we felt it would be wise to give him a day to rest," Frazier said.

If Sullivan can't go, veteran Joe Berger would be the replacement.

As for other personnel updates, Antoine Winfield is expected to practice Friday after missing Thursday due to the death of his younger brother.

Linebacker Marvin Mitchell (ankle), safety Andrew Sendejo (ankle) and receiver Jarius Wright (ankle) were limited in Thursday's practice. Cornerback Chris Cook (biceps) had full participation.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Vikings Have Lowest Payroll In NFL, But Not By Design

Sunday's Vikings game against the Colts will match up the two lowest payrolls in the NFL in Indianapolis.

The Vikings aren't trying to do things on the cheap, it's just the result of past spending that hasn't always worked out. Last year, the Colts were third in the NFL in payroll, while the Vikings were fourth, and both teams won a combined five games.

Both teams have new general managers who have replaced high-priced veterans with younger players as part of a rebuilding process, as Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN explained.

Whatever happens, don't expect the low cash spend this season to become a trend going forward. The Wilfs' track record shows they're willing to pay what it takes to put a winning team on the field, even if sometimes they have paid the wrong people.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Fantasy Football Advice: Percy Harvin Will Continue To Have Big Role

Percy Harvin's fantasy football owners are probably pretty excited that the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver is averaging 11 touches over his past six games. Good news for them, too, as the team foresees that the former Florida standout will continue to have a big role on offense.

The Vikings will be without suspended wide receiver Jerome Simpson for two more games, allowing offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to continue using Harvin quite a bit in the offensive gameplan:

The kid is so sharp. As you know, we put him all over the place, different personnel groups, different concepts. He occupies different places when we letter our guys in the huddle. He's really got to immerse in the game plan -- and to his credit, he does that.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Harvin once Simpson is ready to debut, but for now it seems safe to assume he'll get plenty of looks when the Vikings offense is on the field.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

Week 2 NFL Picks: Vikings Vs. Colts Should Be A Close Game

The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts game is going to be closer than it probably should be according to the Week 2 NFL picks from the experts around the internet.

NFL Odds Week 2: Vikings Vs. Colts

The Minnesota Vikings travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts as 1.5-point-favorites on Sunday. The Vikings opened the week as 5-point favorites, but the line quickly dipped to 1.5 points in most places, with the Vikings only favored by 1 point at some sportsbooks. The over/under for the game is set at 44.5 points after opening at 43.5.

The Vikings are looking to go 2-0 after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in 26-23 in overtime in Week 1. Adrian Peterson saw a lot more action than most expected and looked to be his old self, rushing for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Still, the Vikings failed to cover the 4-point spread in Week 1. Their Week 2 opponents, the Indianapolis Colts, also failed to cover their spread, despite being given 9.5 points, when they lost to the Chicago Bears, 41-21. Andrew Luck will be looking for his first NFL win in his first home game on Sunday.

Betting lines for the complete slate of Week 2 games can be found at OddsShark.

For more on the Vikings, check out Daily Norseman. Visit Stampede Blue for more Colts news.

Vikings Roster Back To Full Strength Heading Into Week 2

While many NFL franchises are forced to take a wait-and-see approach with a number of key injuries after the opening weekend of play, it appears the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster is as close to full strength as possible following Week 1.

After the return of receiver Jarius Wright, safety Andrew Sendejo and linebacker Marvin Mitchell from injury, every last one of Minnesota's 53 active players managed to suit up for portion of the team's Wednesday practice session that was open to the media, according to the Star Tribune.

While Chris Cook, Rhett Ellison, Josh Robinson and John Sullivan each joined the team's Week 2 injury report, it's still quite promising that the entirety of head coach Leslie Frazier's roster is healthy enough to play right now.

Not only did the most vital player on the team's roster, tailback Adrian Peterson, flourish with a pair of touchdowns in his 2012 debut, but he also reported no swelling or soreness in his knee following the game. The Vikings will be hard-pressed to remain this healthy by the time next week rolls around, but for the moment, the football gods appear to be making things a little easier for Frazier's squad.

Head over to Daily Norseman for more Vikings news, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more coverage from around the league.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 2 From A Minnesotan's Perspective

SB Nation Minnesota offers up their NFL power rankings leading into Week 2 of the NFL season.