NFC North Power Rankings after Week 3

3. Minnesota Vikings (0-3)

Week 3 ended in a way only Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers fans could understand. For years, the Chargers have been losing close games and fumbling away opportunities late. It seemed to have been what they do. The Vikings, meanwhile, are no strangers to close games, but came away victorious in almost all of them a year ago.

This one, though, ended with a thud. With time winding down, the Vikings were within striking distance down 28-24, but with the clock running, they showed no urgency, nor did they try to stop the clock. Instead, Kirk Cousins and the offense rushed to the line and the game ended with an interception, along with the Vikings dropping to 0-3.

Cousins finished with another fairly impressive passing day, throwing for 367 yards, three touchdowns and that lone interception. The Vikings even ran for 130 yards while holding Los Angeles to just 30 yards on the ground.

Now, the Vikings face an 0-3 reality which tells them their odds of making the postseason are slim to none at this point. Next week, Minnesota will take on an 0-3 Carolina Panthers team in a game which the loser will all but be guaranteed to miss the postseason.