Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Zimmer's Vikings squad should be validated as a contender or exposed as a pretender this weekend. Brace Hemmelgarn USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings are off to a 5-2 start, but their wins have not been all that impressive this season. So far, they've beaten the Lions (twice), Chargers, Chiefs and Bears -- four teams with a combined record of 8-23.
After dropping a 23-20 decision to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the Vikings will get their next chance to pick up a quality win when they face the St. Louis Rams this weekend. Left guard Brandon Fusco believes the Rams present Minnesota's toughest challenge to date, according to the team's official Twitter account.
The Rams, 4-3 on the season, are the first of several tough opponents slated to face the Vikings in the weeks to come. Minnesota has the third-toughest remaining schedule, according to Football Outsiders (h/t Eric Thompson of Daily Norseman).
After the Rams, the Vikings will travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders (4-3). They host the Packers (6-1) the following week, and then they play three straight conference contenders in the Falcons (6-2), Seahawks (4-4) and Cardinals (6-2). After wrapping up their series with the Bears in Week 15, the Vikings will close out the regular season with a home game against the Giants (4-4) and a rematch with the Packers at Lambeau Field.
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