11-19-2019, 12:42 PM
![[Image: min.png&h=110&w=110]](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nfl/500/min.png&h=110&w=110)
The Vikings improved to 8-3, still a half-game behind the first-place Packers (who beat them in Week 2) in the NFC North. They've won six of their past seven, with the only loss during that stretch a three-point squeaker in Kansas City.
The verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION. Again, it's tough out here in these NFC streets, where the Niners, Saints, Seahawks and Packers all still have better records than Minnesota's. But this Vikings team deserves to be counted among the top NFC contenders.
The Vikings came back to beat Dallas last week without top wideout Adam Thielen and top defensive tackle Linval Joseph. They run the ball as well as anyone. They stop the run as well as anyone (just ask Ezekiel Elliott). The Vikings have a bye next week, and if they can get healthy during that time, they're poised to attack a December schedule that starts with a trip to Seattle and offers a Dec. 23 chance for revenge against the Packers at home, where they have yet to lose in five games this season.