Minnesota Vikings Player Power Rankings After Week 5

The Minnesota Vikings are rolling with a 5-0 record, but they had not played a complete game until they defeated the New Orleans Saints 23-13 in Week 5. That’s the first game this season that the offense made a significant contribution. Prior to that game, it was all about the Minnesota defense and special teams.

As a result, when we consider the individual power rankings on the Vikings, QB Kyler Murray does not rank with the most elite players. If he can duplicate what he did against the Saints — 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a TD pass to Justin Jefferson and 51 rushing yards — he will climb the charts in the future, but a majority of the spots are defensive players.

10. Myles Price, Return Specialist — Price has been sensational at returning punts and kickoffs. He had an 86-yard punt return for a score in the Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and that was essential because the Vikings won the game by seven points. He is averaging 21.6 yards on 11 punt returns and he has averaged 29.8 yards on his 17 kickoff returns, including a long of 68 yards in the season-opener against the Packers.

9. Christian Darrisaw, OLT — The Vikings offensive line is largely responsible for the inconsistent offensive performance this season. However, Darrisaw is the best blocker of this group by a fairly large margin. He suffered a concussion in Week 4 against Miami and he did not play in Week 5. The Vikings need him back in the lineup when the medical staff clears him.

8. Kyler Murray, QB — Rest assured that Brock Purdy of the 49ers and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs are Nos. 1 or 2 for their undefeated teams. Murray has been somewhat slow to adapt to the Vikings system, and he was hurt by a Week 1 concussion. He had a sensational effort against New Orleans and head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to see more from him after the bye week.

7. Aaron Jones, RB — There was some talk that Jones had lost more than a step and wasn’t the effective running back he had been earlier in his career. However, after running for 94 yards in Week 4 against the Dolphins and 113 yards against the Saints, Jones is clearly dependable and a key part of the Vikings game plan.

6. Josh Metellus, S — The Vikings defense is all about players who can line up anywhere defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants them to, and Metellus is perhaps the best example. He adapted to the Flores gameplan very early in the coach’s tenure with the Vikings and he is second in tackles with 30, and he also has 3 passes defensed. He is effective no matter where Flores asks him to line up.

5. Blake Cashman, LB — The team’s best and most dependable tackler. Cashman has 42 stops, 2.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 pass defensed. Cashman is not a superstar, but he is always around the ball, rarely is out of position and he is hungry to make the tackle.

4. Will Reichard, PK — The tendency when ranking football players is to diminish placekickers and punters, but that would be a mistake with Reichard. He was a first-team All-Pro last year and he is perfect through five games this season. Reichard has made 15-of-15 FG attempts, including 5-of-5 from 50 yards and beyond with a long of 56 yards. Basically, all of Reichard’s kicks go right down the middle and he has been sensational in a Vikings uniform.

3. Byron Murphy, CB — While the Vikings have had a good defense since Flores came on board prior to the 2023 season, there have been some weaknesses in their pass coverage. The cornerback position is much improved this year and Murphy has been excellent with 21 tackles, 5 passes defensed and 3 interceptions. Murphy has been consistent in his coverage and he appears to be getting better each week.

2. Dallas Turner, Edge — A defense needs a dynamic player who is a threat to get to the quarterback on nearly every play, and Turner fills that role for the Vikings. He leads the team with 5.5 sacks, and he has also record 14 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. The Vikings defense is at the top of the charts this season and Turner is the primary reason for the surge.

1. Justin Jefferson, WR — The most talented player on the team by a wide margin. When he is at his best, he will make the most difficult and spectacular catch compared to the other great receivers in the NFL. Jefferson was not at his best due to poor QB play a year ago, and he sprained his ankle earlier this season. However, when he came back against the Saints, he overcame triple-coverage on a mind-boggling TD reception in the third quarter.