Vikings don't budge in latest power rankings by ESPN

Prior the training camp and the preseason, the Minnesota Vikings were ranked 23rd in ESPN’s power rankings. Fast forward to J.J. McCarthy’s injury, the signing of Stephon Gilmore, and the Vikings going 2-0 in the preseason — Minnesota still slots in at No. 23 in the latest power rankings.

It’s not too surprising that the quarterback situation is a huge question mark. With McCarthy’s season over, Sam Darnold will enter Week 1 as the unquestioned starter. The Vikings’ defense hasn’t looked overly sharp this preseason, especially the secondary. But with Minnesota bringing in Gilmore, a former Pro Bowl corner, the Vikings should be better on the back end.

Minnesota will have to prove that it can be competitive and win games in close situations. Turnovers killed Minnesota last season — before the injury bug hit the Vikings’ locker room. Minnesota has the weapons around Darnold to make the Vikings’ offense good.

But will Darnold’s time to shine come out? Will the Vikings get enough stops on defense? Those are the two big questions surrounding the Vikings.