NFL power rankings: 49ers surge in Week 3, while Saints fall

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Richie James #13 and Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Goodwin made a catch for a first down in the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the game at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 13. team. 60. . 1-1

L, 21-16 @ Packers

The difference between the No. 9 spot in our NFL power rankings and No. 14 is awfully slim, which is why the Vikings have a notable drop off down into the mid teens.

Minnesota still has a top-tier defense, which managed to hold the Packers to just 335 yards at home. Meanwhile, quarterback Kirk Cousins and Co. outgained Green Bay with 421 yards of their own. But Cousins’ two interceptions were a big reason why the Vikings found themselves on the losing end of this key NFC North matchup.

Running back Dalvin Cook is enjoying a nice resurgence, though, after missing much of 2018 with injuries. He piled up 154 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while adding 37 yards through the air.

Getting Cook involved in the offense is a good move, as long as Cousins doesn’t turn the ball over.

Cousins seems to struggle in these crucial games, doesn’t he?