FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons have cracked the top 10 in ProFootballTalk.com's weekly power rankings.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) runs back a punt toward the end zone for a touchdown after against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

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Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Falcons are the No. 9 rated team after being ranked 14th last week.

The Falcons, after going 4-12 last season, are off to a 2-1 start and were impressive in victories over New Orleans (37-34 in overtime) and Tampa Bay (56-14). They were defeated by the No. 2-ranked Cincinnati Bengals (24-10) on the road. Seattle is the No. 1 ranked team.

The Falcons are set to face the Minnesota Vikings, who are ranked 29th, on Sunday in Minneapolis.

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After whirlwind start, Falcons get a chance to exhale

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