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Can the Minnesota Vikings right the ship after two straight losses? Minnesota was the toast of the NFL after starting the season 5-0, but the Vikings have taken a few bumps since their bye week. They are now looking to keep pace with both Detroit and Green Bay, so they must take care of business against the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. Indianapolis is still struggling to find its identity, yet every Colts’ game has been decided by six points or less this season.
Week 9 Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts +5.5
Minnesota Vikings -5.5
Total 46.5
Initially, Minnesota was a seven-point favorite per the NFL betting odds when lines were released last Sunday night. However, the Vikings have since fallen to a 5.5-point favorite given Indianapolis’ track record over the last two months. The total has risen a half-point from where it opened.
Indianapolis Colts Overview
Joe Flacco is stepping into the catbird’s seat once again. Flacco will turn 40 years old in two-and-a-half months and is a 17-year NFL veteran in the final stages of his career, but ownership believes he gives the Colts the best chance to win at the moment. The former Super Bowl winner has outperformed the young Anthony Richardson to this point, but Flacco is extremely limited at this stage of his career despite his gaudy stats. He has completed 65.7% of his passes for 716 yards (6.6 YPA) with seven touchdowns and an interception, yet he is a relative statue in the pocket, and you know what you get with him under center.
Jonathan Taylor has been solid when healthy, running for 454 yards (4.9 YPC) and five touchdowns in five games. Michael Pittman came into the year as the top receiver, but he has not been as productive as second-year wideout Josh Downs or as explosive as Alec Pierce. This offensive line still has two excellent pieces in Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, but the tackles have been disappointing despite the lucrative contract extension that Braden Smith signed.
Indianapolis has been very fortunate on defense considering the Colts rank 28th in total defense and 13th in scoring defense. They don’t force turnovers, and they fail to create much havoc too. DeForest Buckner is back in the middle of the defensive line to shore up the front, but this unit is due for a downturn given what we have seen to this point.
Minnesota Vikings Overview
It’s been impressive to watch Sam Darnold thrive in a new system. Darnold has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season as many thought he would soon be out of the league. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has completed 67.2% of his passes for 1,610 yards (8.5 YPA) with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Unsurprisingly, Justin Jefferson has been his top target with 41 receptions for 646 yards and five touchdowns, and no other player has more than 22 receptions or 231 receiving yards.
Give credit to Minnesota’s front office for immediately trading for left tackle Cam Robinson after it was discovered that Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury following last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings didn’t have to give up much for Robinson, and that will keep Darnold upright and this team competitive as they make a playoff push. That’s also good news for Aaron Jones as he has been one of the better running backs this season with 501 rushing yards (4.8 YPC).
We’ve seen the Minnesota defense struggle in each of the last two weeks. The Vikings are still excellent at stopping the run, but they have had some issues against the pass even though they lead the league in interception percentage. They have stayed pretty healthy on this side of the ball compared to other teams though.
Sunday Night Football Prediction
The Vikings have been somewhat fortunate this year, but the Colts just aren’t that good. I expect Minnesota to pick up a double-digit win even if that hasn’t been the MO for Indianapolis in 2024.
Final Score: Minnesota 27, Indianapolis 17
