The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts are both desperate for a spark. For the Colts, that means turning to Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback. After its impressive 5-0 start, Minnesota aims to stop a two-game slide. Sunday night’s game sees the Vikings as favorites by close to a touchdown at home against Indianapolis.
Minnesota needs to ignite its sluggish offense. Even with star wideout Justin Jefferson, Minnesota is 19th in total yards and middling in most other offensive categories. Quarterback Sam Darnold gets hot and moves the ball but absorbs too many sacks and struggles facing pressure. Losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season during Week 8 won’t help Minnesota’s 31st-ranked sack rate. The Vikings will try to integrate new left tackle Cam Robinson after a midweek trade with Jacksonville.
Aaron Jones could use a solid showing for Minnesota’s backfield after a recent up-and-down stretch. Stopping the run hasn’t been easy for the Colts (30th rush yards per game), giving Minnesota’s ground game a chance to get going. Against an Indianapolis defense ranked 28th in yards allowed and 23rd in defensive sack rate, Darnold should have time to find targets.
Turning to Flacco represents a win-now move for the Colts. Still in the AFC playoff hunt, Indianapolis couldn’t withstand Richardson’s erratic play. During a 2-1 stretch as the backup earlier this season, Flacco offered stability with a 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Avoiding turnovers and keeping the Colts on the field is critical to jump-starting an offense last in time of possession.
Running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 105 yards during his Week 8 return, giving Indianapolis a key weapon. Susceptible to big gains against the Lions, Minnesota’s recent run defense gives a 10th-ranked Colts running offense hope for Taylor to maintain momentum.
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(Photo of Joe Flacco: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
