Before I begin, let me provide a little context. I started reading this blog in either 2008 or 2009, I can't remember which, but one of the things that I saw consistently here is that the Minneapolis... excuse me... Minnesota Vikings are considered a joke among all major media outlets on the inter-webs. I originally thought that most, if not all, of you were crazy...

Not so. It's true.

Granted, the Vikings haven't been the most inconspicuous team in the NFL when it comes to media-worthy events deserving of negative attention, but even when there is something positive there is somehow almost always a negative twist to it. It's just getting so old.

I'm thinking of all the haters when Adrian Peterson said he was going to come back week 1. I'm thinking of Ponder saying he aspired to complete 80% of his passes on 3rd and 4th down. Not that he would -- just that he wants to. Just 2 recent examples.

But today I was excited for Power Rankings -- because I thought the Vikings would make a considerable jump. Again, not so. Not on the biggest hater of all's website, ESPN, especially.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2012/week/2

2 spots up to #27. The lowest 1-0 team BY FAR. The next are the Bucs at #21 and the Cardinals at #20. The Bills are higher than the Vikings. And the Raiders, get this, actually improved 1 spot with their loss, and are higher than the Vikings. Really?

And here's the comment from Graziano -- "Adrian Peterson's stunning return from injury was one of a few bright spots".

A beautifully negative twist on an extremely positive thing with AP's return.

Anyway, I know Power Rankings mean as much as the bowl of oatmeal I'm about to eat, but it really does blow my mind. And don't get me wrong -- I'm totally grounded in reality and realize that the Viking may be looking at about 5 more wins give or take, but it is just amazing to me how much credit the Vikings don't get on a week to week basis.

Rant complete.