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

Sabres mailbag: Will Kevyn Adams make a significant trade? Does Trevor Zegras fit?

The Buffalo Sabres started their California road trip with a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings...

Has the expanded College Football Playoff made more games 'matter' down the stretch?

The expanded College Football Playoff is doing exactly what it intended to do, allowing more teams more...

Are the Blues considering a Jim Montgomery reunion? It's not out of the question

Based on the timing of the St. Louis Blues’ announcement last May that Drew Bannister was signing...

Chelsea's Reece James out of Leicester game with hamstring injury

Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another injury setback after being ruled out of the Premier League...

Geno Auriemma takes over the GOAT mantle, plus Army's CFP dreams

The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive...

How Bills' Tyler Bass is getting ready for his next big kick: 'You’re going to go through storms'

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — What are the odds the Buffalo Bills’ season comes down to a Tyler...

Fantasy football brain games: The upside of Tommy DeVito and trust issues with Javonte Williams

This article is all about decision-making and avoiding all the biases that can lead you to make...

What's next for the Warriors at the shooting guard spot after De'Anthony Melton's injury?

SAN FRANCISCO — In the last week, De’Anthony Melton went searching for extra medical advice about his...