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Sam Darnold is in elite company.
The journeyman has now joined NFL greats Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rogers, former MVP Matt Ryan, and nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw at least two touchdown passes and have a passer rating of 105 or higher in each of the first four games of a season.
The Vikings, led by Darnold, are one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the league, along with the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs.
The Vikings have notched wins against tough opponents, including the Packers, Texans, and 49ers who were all playoff teams from the previous season.
It has been a journey for Darnold, bouncing to four different teams, but he is finally living up to the promise that made him the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Here are The Post’s power rankings for Week 5:
1. Chiefs 4-0 (1)
Travis Kelce makes a strong comeback with a season-high seven catches for 89 yards in a win against the Chargers.
Chris Jones adds two sacks to the mix.
Rookie Xavier Worthy shines with a 54-yard touchdown catch, but Rashee Rice suffers a season-ending torn ACL.
2. Vikings 4-0 (3)
Darnold’s three touchdown passes give the Vikings a 28-point lead in a close 31-29 win against the Packers.
Jordan Addison scores two touchdowns in his return after missing two games.
The Vikings, who recover a late onside kick, have spent less than four minutes trailing this season, starting 4-0 for the first time since 2016.
3. Lions 3-1 (6)
Jared Goff sets an NFL record by completing 18 or more passes without an incompletion in a 42-29 victory against the Seahawks.
Goff also catches a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions break a losing streak against the Seahawks from the past three seasons.
4. Texans 3-1 (8)
Dare Ogunbowale’s clutch touchdown with 18 seconds left seals a 24-20 win against the Jaguars.
C.J. Stroud throws for 345 yards and two touchdowns, with Stefon Diggs scoring his first career rushing touchdown.
The Texans show resilience after a tough game.
5. Ravens 2-2 (13)
Derrick Henry’s early 87-yard rushing touchdown sets the tone for a dominant 35-10 win against the Bills.
The duo of Henry and Lamar Jackson shines, with Henry scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 199 yards, while Jackson passes for two and runs for another.
6. Bills 3-1 (2)
The Bills struggle in a 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers.
A failed trick play and a fumble by Josh Allen contribute to the loss, with Ty Johnson scoring the only touchdown for the Bills.
The Bills’ streak of not losing by 10 or more points comes to an end.
7. Buccaneers 3-1 (11)
The Buccaneers dominate the Eagles in a 33-16 win with Baker Mayfield throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Evans scores the first touchdown, ending a 20-game scoring drought for the Bucs and becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
8. Steelers 3-1 (4)
Longtime rival Joe Flacco leads the Colts to a 27-24 win against the Steelers, with Justin Fields showcasing a strong performance but falling short.
Fields’ efforts are dampened by a lost fumble and a botched snap that hinder the Steelers’ final possession.
9. Seahawks 3-1 (10)
Despite a strong performance, the Seahawks fall short to the Lions due to defensive struggles and key player injuries.
Geno Smith’s 395-yard passing game and Kenneth Walker III’s three rushing touchdowns are not enough for a win against the Lions.
10. Commanders 3-1 (18)
The Commanders’ hot offense scores on 20 of their last 22 possessions during a three-game winning streak, including a 42-14 victory against the Cardinals.
Jeremy McNichols, Brian Robinson Jr., and Jayden Daniels combine for four rushing touchdowns in the game.
11. 49ers 2-2 (12)
12. Falcons 2-2 (16)
13. Eagles 2-2 (5)
14. Packers 2-2 (7)
15. Jets 2-2 (9)
The Jets suffer a disappointing 10-9 loss to the Broncos, failing to score a touchdown.
Greg Zuerlein’s missed field goal in the final minute and other mistakes contribute to the loss.
16. Saints 2-2 (15)
17. Chargers 2-2 (14)
18. Cowboys 2-2 (17)
19. Colts 2-2 (21)
20. Broncos 2-2 (22)
21. Bears 2-2 (24)
22. Raiders 2-2 (30)
23. Cardinals 1-3 (19)
24. Rams 1-3 (20)
25. Bengals 1-3 (27)
26. Patriots 1-3 (25)
27. Giants 1-3 (28)
The Giants lose to the Cowboys for the 14th time in 15 meetings, kicking five field goals in a 20-15 defeat.
The rushing attack struggles, offering no support for Daniel Jones and Malik Nabers.
28. Browns 1-3 (26)
29. Titans 1-3 (32)
30. Dolphins 1-3 (23)
31. Panthers 1-3 (29)
32. Jaguars 0-4 (31)
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