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Week 8 NFL Power Rankings: ESPN Holds Vikings Despite Strong Effort

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings shocked the world. No, it wasn't in some Kurt Warner "win the Super Bowl" way, but it may as well have been, though they were handed a loss. They kept their game against the undefeated Green Bay Packers close - very close - and even held the lead at more than one point; They started rookie quarterback Christian Ponder in place of Donovan McNabb and Ponder impressed most with his ability, but he still did look like a rookie. At the very least, one would expect Minnesota to move up a couple spots in the week 8 NFL power rankings, but they are holding, instead.

ESPN didn't deviate from their last week assessment:

28. Christian Ponder did well moving outside the pocket and sparking what had been a dead offense. (Clayton)    

Having trouble understanding how a team that suddenly looked an awful lot better didn't go up in the rankings at all? It's probably because they're recognizing that he's a rookie, and at any point in the season, that rookie can hit a wall. Ponder might have a bright future in this league, but he isn't likely leading the Vikings in the same manner on a week-to-week basis in his rookie season.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.