Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws to wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #11 for a catch in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws to wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #11 for a catch in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 4. team. 60. . L, 38-31 @ Rams

Let’s give the Minnesota Vikings a slight pass for their short-week road loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. And while they’re the highest-ranked 2-2 team in our NFL power rankings this week, one might be able to understand why they still rank this high despite falling 38-31 in L.A.

Factor in the travel on the short week, especially after being embarrassed by the Bills in Week 3. As a result, the Vikings’ usually stout defense looked gassed, which isn’t hard to be facing what the Rams have done this season on offense.

Kudos to the Vikings for staying in the contest, however. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was masterful, tossing for well over 400 yards and three touchdowns on a night where running back Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota rushing attack was all but absent. Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen were electric too.

Given the strength of their opponent, it’s hard to bump the Vikings down any lower than this spot.