The eight-month wait is over. The 2026 NFL season is underway, as week one is in the books. High-powered offenses, breakout stars, and come-from-behind victories told the story of last week. As we turn our attention to week two, let's take a look at ESPN's newest power ranking and see where they placed the Minnesota Vikings after their 39-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
ESPN's NFL Nation, the team of analysts who worked on the rankings, placed the Minnesota Vikings number 17 in the NFL, just ahead of the New York Giants and just behind the Dallas Cowboys:
A third-round pick from Iowa State, Orange made a key play in Sunday's comeback victory. With 13:17 remaining, the Packers decided to take a field goal off the board after a Vikings
penalty and go for it on fourth-and-1. Quarterback Jordan Love checked into a sneak play, but Orange -- known by the nickname "Big Citrus" -- fought off center Sean Rhyan and stuffed Love for no gain. "If I was a quarterback," Orange told reporters afterward, "I'd try that, too. But they don't know about Big Citrus yet." -- Kevin Seifert
Domonique Orange was shouted out as the Non-QB newcomer debut for his stellar play on Sunday. Brian Flores was deep in his bag, creating pressure on Jordan Love relentlessly for all four quarters. Minnesota will need a full-team effort if it hopes to take down the Chicago Bears on the road this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Where did the Vikings land in ESPN's Power Rankings ahead of Week 2?
