Colts at Vikings: How to watch, odds, expert picks with Joe Flacco set to start

Date:

Share post:


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.


How to watch Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings


Colts vs. Vikings odds


Expert picks for Colts vs. Vikings

The Pulse Newsletter

Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.

Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.

Sign UpBuy The Pulse Newsletter

Read more about NFL Week 9

Odds, expert picks for all 15 games: Decisive matchups highlight NFL’s midway point

Trade deadline 2024: Latest roundup of team plans and potential moves

NFL Week 9 picks against the spread: Colts’ Joe Flacco gets to keep adding to his third act

Best bets: Why Jayden Daniels, Commanders should have a field day

(Photo of Joe Flacco: Tim Warner / Getty Images)



Source link

Alexandra Williams
Alexandra Williams
Alexandra Williams is a writer and editor. Angeles. She writes about politics, art, and culture for LinkDaddy News.

Recent posts

Related articles

Blue Jackets confront structure and work ethic issues after rough weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Those who have watched the Columbus Blue Jackets closely in recent seasons probably came...

NFL trade deadline 2024 live updates: Latest deals, grades, rumors and news

The surging Washington Commanders could use help at cornerback. The surprising NFC contender has also let teams...

Hwang, Son and the growing racism faced by East and South East Asians in football

A pre-season friendly on a training ground in the Spanish city of Marbella was a low-key setting...

Steph Curry returns, takes cautious approach in Warriors' win over Wizards

WASHINGTON — The last time Steph Curry was on a basketball court came eight days prior to...

Inside Newcastle Q&A: Mbeumo links, playing Guimaraes and Tonali together and irreplaceable Isak

Once a week for an hour during the Premier League season, The Athletic’s Newcastle United subscribers have...

Why Liverpool fell for Xabi Alonso, the 'spray gun' who became an adopted Scouser

Rival managers are rarely granted warm receptions at Anfield. Xabi Alonso, however, will be an exception.Tonight, his...

NWSL playoff bracket highlights, plus the Wave’s stadium debacle

Full Time Newsletter ⚽| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time...

Cody Bellinger opting in gives Cubs 'clarity' as they head into critical offseason

SAN ANTONIO — While the public only recently found out that outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger would be...