Here are some must-reads for your viewing pleasure. I’ll get more into the Lions game tomorrow.

• Patrick Ruesse has his take on the Vikings victory Monday night. He thinks that no win should come along with apologies, and reflects back on Bud Grant.
   
• Sid Hartman on the improvement of Gus Frerotte. He takes the view of Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers and wonders why Frerotte hasn’t caught on with a team yet.
   
• After the Monday Night situation with Kluwe inexplicably punting to Reggie Bush, there is bound to be some punter talk. On Wednesday Childress brought in four punters to look over, but downplays it and claims that they are always testing new players.

• Bernard Berrian is having trouble with his knee. This comes after a long battle with a toe.
   
• Speaking of injuries, Chip Scoggins has a piece up at the Star Tribune having to deal with the loss of one of the best middle linebackers in the league; E.J. Henderson.
   
• Matt Gilmartin of Bleacher Report has a nice article debating the topic of whether or not the Vikings are contenders or pretenders. I would prefer to wait until Week 8 before I make my decision.
   
• A couple of Vikings-Lions previews, also courtesy of Bleacher Report.
   
• Is Visanthe Shiancoe a legitimate NFL tight end? Joe Mikolai explores in further detail.
   
• There are now many NFL power rankings up across the Internet. Here is a brief compiling of some of the major ones, along with their comments on the Purple and Gold:

Bleacher Report: 21 - They won in a must-win situation on a Monday night, which is commendable. But please explain to me why you would punt to Reggie Bush after he already returned one punt for a touchdown? What’s the thought process? I’d really like to know.

Sporting News: 22 - Everyone knows running back Adrian Peterson is the Vikes’ MVP, including every defense that gangs up to try to stop him. That’s why it was so huge for Gus Frerotte to deliver through the air when No. 28 was stuffed. Monday’s wild win may end up being a big spark.

Sports Illustrated: 15 - They’re dysfunctional, but they still won a big one in the Superdome on Monday night. The QB’s marginal. The receivers are catch-one, drop-one, at least Berrian, their top guy, is. Jared Allen is not the pass rushing demon they figured he’d be. I see him taking an outside rush and continuing on his own track, after the train has left the station. Their special teams got destroyed. And yet, they’re up five spots. OK, you emailers, let’s hear it. And you’ll have the pleasure of hearing me whine about how I had to adjust some other teams.

ESPN: 19 - The Vikings saved their season Monday night — with a big assist from the Saints.

Sportsline: 17 - That move to Gus Frerotte just might get them to the playoffs. That was a huge road victory Monday night at New Orleans.

ProFootballWeekly: 22 - Madieu Williams is getting closer to returning.

Average ranking: 19.3