The Minnesota Vikings are back in the winner’s circle. After having its first three games of 2023 disrupted by turnovers and one-score losses, Minnesota appeared to be on the same path in the first half on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. A pair of interceptions deep in Carolina territory led to 10 points for the Panthers, who took a 13-7 halftime lead.

The second half was all purple, though. A strip-sack in the third quarter from Vikings safety Harrison Smith bounced into the hands of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, who returned it 51 yards for a touchdown. Smith and Wonnum’s efforts highlighted a second-half defensive shutout for Minnesota in a 21-13 victory, its first win of the season.

The Vikings (1-3) moved up on a few lists in this week’s Power Rankings, including as high as 17, but relatively stayed put in most rankings. Minnesota will get another chance this week to notch its first win at home this season, as the Vikings welcome the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.