ESPN's latest power rankings place Minnesota 11th, praising a roster strong outside the QB, a top coaching staff, and a solid front office, while flagging quarterback uncertainty. The biggest swing factor is J.J. McCarthy, whose performance as starter will determine how high the Vikings can climb. A bold preseason takeaway predicting a bottom-five EPA/play defense by Seth Walder adds risk, especially with Flores at the helm trying to maximize limited down-ballot talent. If McCarthy proves he’s the guy, Minnesota’s ceiling rises and fantasy-play upside grows; if not, the team could lean into high-scoring matchups and rely on defensive volatility to shape weekly outcomes.