Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Breaking down all 32 teams’ standings in Week 14

By Peter Panacy

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Dion Dawkins #73 of the Buffalo Bills shakes hands with Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots after a game on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Dion Dawkins #73 of the Buffalo Bills shakes hands with Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots after a game on December 3, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates beating the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates beating the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings. 3. team. 60. . W, 14-9 at Falcons. Previous:

The Vikings’ 14-9 victory over the Falcons was impressive for a number of key reasons, which is why they remain so high in our NFL power rankings heading into Week 14.

First, it was on the road. Points for that. Second, Minnesota’s defense made the always-potent Atlanta offense look like a second-rate unit. Holding Falcons wide receiver to just two grabs for 24 yards is impressive in itself.

Third, and perhaps most crucial, the Vikings are actually getting good quarterbacking play out of Case Keenum.

Yes, you read that right.

Keenum passed for 227 yards and two touchdowns, missing only five attempts the entire game. That’s pretty amazing. What the Vikings are getting out of him is far more than just a game manager. He’s officially an effective offensive weapon.

But that defense, wow.