This is a welcome change for Minnesota Vikings fans, isn't it? Unless you're eyeing a top pick in the draft, then you should be happy to see Minnesota move up the Week 9 NFL Power Rankings. Christian Ponder led the Vikings to their second win of the season and got the first win of his career. He's 1-1 now as a starter, and it was almost 2-0 had he been able to seal the deal against the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN puts the Vikings at No. 23:
23. QB Christian Ponder looked calm and collected in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's win over Carolina. (Clayton)
That's a five-point jump up the power rankings for the Vikings, who have been in the bottom three at one point this year. Christian Ponder did indeed look calm and collected, that's why they're moving up the rankings. They're a more dangerous team now than before, so even if they don't make the playoffs, they should not be overlooked.