NFL Power Rankings, Week 10: Eagles upgrade at receiver during bye week

10. Minnesota Vikings

One week after suffering a tough loss at home to the New Orleans Saints, the Minnesota Vikings were looking to bounce back with a strong outing at home again, only this time when facing a familiar face in the Detroit Lions. Playing without Stefon Diggs as a result of an injury wasn’t going to be easy for the Vikings, and even though Adam Thielen watched his impressive streak of 100-yard games come to an end, Mike Zimmer’s squad still earned the tough win.

As much credit as the offense has received at times this season, it was Minnesota’s defense that came up in a big way over Detroit by sacking Matthew Stafford 10 times, which is insane to think about. Football fans knew the Vikings had quite an impressive defense, but watching them get to Stafford as many times as they did is almost unheard of.

If the Vikings can manage a win over the Chicago Bears following the bye week, the team will be in even better position when it comes to the race in the NFC North. Based off how the division is shaping up through nine weeks, Minnesota will need all of the wins they can get following their week off, and no matter what it takes, Kirk Cousins needs to figure out a way to elevate his game to a higher level.