NFC North Power Rankings after Week 4

3. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)

The Minnesota Vikings made the worst possible start to Week 4. After driving into the red zone on the opening possession, Kirk Cousins threw a 99-yard pick-six. Cousins only completed 12 passes in the game, two going for touchdowns, but another two were picked. This was a game won by the defense.

Minnesota overcame a slow start to eventually take the lead early in the third quarter. Safety Harrison Smith dominated, sacking rookie quarterback Bryce Young three times while making two tackles for loss and forcing a fumble.

The Vikings needed to avoid giving up a touchdown and two-point conversion to secure the win. They delivered, denying the Panthers on fourth-and-goal from the Vikings' 18-yard line, ending a promising 15-play drive.

Minnesota desperately needed this win. It started the regular season with three straight defeats, including two at home. While the Vikings have fallen two games behind the division-leading Detroit Lions, they still have everything to play for. They are yet to play against a division rival.

The concern is that they have home matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers on the way in the next three weeks. The Vikings can't afford to lose too many more at home.