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2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Cowboys make statement, Cardinals take the top spot

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 03: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a play in the game against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

. . Previous: 22nd. Minnesota Vikings. 25. team. 60

Another week, another narrow loss for the Minnesota Vikings. After a three-point loss in Week 1 to Cincinnati and a one-point loss in Week 2 to Arizona, the Vikings had hoped they turned a corner last week. That’s when they took it to the Seattle Seahawks and won 30-17 in their home debut.

They were hoping to score another win at home against a talented team, this time hosting the Cleveland Browns. And Minnesota came out looking as though they were in for a big day. The Vikings went 75 yards on 14 plays to start the game and ate up 7:34 seconds of the first quarter.

From that point on, they were held scoreless by a hungry Browns defense.

Kirk Cousins, who entered the game with no interceptions, was 20-of-38 with 203 yards and a touchdown while also throwing a late pick to Greedy Williams. His final pass of the game was nearly picked as well, as he threw it to the end zone with no time on the clock and it hit the turf a half-yard before being picked off by John Johnson III.

He was also sacked twice while being hit several other times. Now at 1-3, the Vikings are in danger of letting the 2021 season get away from them — much in the same way they did in 2020 with a horrible start to the year.

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