This is a big one for the Vikings. After losing two games in five days to fall from 5-0 to 5-2, they've had some time to recover and prepare for tonight's opportunity to bounce back and snap their losing streak. Standing in their way at U.S. Bank Stadium are the 4-4 Colts, who have played eight one-score games in eight weeks this season.
The outcome of this Sunday Night Football showdown might tell us a lot about Minnesota's season. If they can defend their home field and get to 6-2, they'll be in a good spot ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. But if they lose a third game in a row, it'll feel like the sky is falling. That would place them two games (and a tiebreaker) behind the red-hot Lions, who improved to 7-1 with a win over the Packers earlier on Sunday.
The Vikings lost one key offensive starter in last week's game against the Rams but will get another back in this game. Christian Darrisaw is out for the season with a knee injury and has been replaced by Cam Robinson, who was acquired in a trade with the Jaguars, but T.J. Hockenson is finally making his long-awaited season debut just over nine months after ACL repair surgery. That means Sam Darnold will have a full complement of weapons for the first time with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Hockenson, and Jordan Addison.
The Colts will be led by 39-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco, who steps in for benched youngster Anthony Richardson. Flacco will look to find success against the Vikings' defense in the same way Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford did in recent weeks. Indianapolis will also lean on the running game with Jonathan Taylor.
Follow along below for live updates throughout the evening!
Read the recap here.
Vikings 21, Colts 13
0:28 — The Colts cut it to eight.
Vikings 21, Colts 10
2:05 — The Vikings have all but put this game away on Darnold's third touchdown pass of the night, this one to Josh Oliver.
Vikings 14, Colts 10
12:41 — The Colts turn the takeaway into three points but are still trailing.
14:13 — That was not a long possession for the Vikings. Sam Darnold threw an interception right back to the Colts on the very next play, his third turnover of the night.
14:23 — There's the second takeaway of the game for the Vikings' defense, and at a key time. Byron Murphy Jr. picks off Joe Flacco on third down.
Vikings 14, Colts 7
2:49 — After a terrible first half, the Vikings just took the lead on a Sam Darnold touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor, capping an 80-yard drive. They've found their groove in the third quarter.
Colts 7, Vikings 7
10:23 — That's more like it for the Vikings. Jordan Addison just made an incredible diving catch to get the Vikings on the board and tie the game. They've been moving the ball effectively all night.
0:00 — To cap off a nightmare first half for the Vikings, Will Reichard just hit the upright from only 31 yards out. It's 7-0 at halftime.
1:55 — The Colts just missed a long field goal attempt of their own.
5:46 — This has been an ugly night for the Vikings so far. Will Reichard just missed a field goal for the first time in his career, going wide right from 53 yards out.
Colts 7, Vikings 0
10:56 — Disaster strikes for the Vikings. Sam Darnold lost the football as he was thrown to the ground by Grover Stewart, and the ball was scooped by Kenny Moore, who returned it for a touchdown to open the scoring. Refs initially threw a flag on the play but picked it up after a discussion.
0:00 — No scoring as the first quarter comes to a close.
6:40 — Sam Darnold gives it right back to the Colts with a brutal interception in the end zone. He was rolling left and threw into double coverage. It was picked by LB Zaire Franklin.
12:24 — That's a good way to start a game. The Colts fumbled on a botched handoff and Harrison Smith recovered for an early takeaway.
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