Everything Minnesota Vikings Fans Need to Know Heading into Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
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The Minnesota Vikings are coming into Week 9 in need of a win.
Their 30-20 loss on Thursday Night Football last week means Minnesota has now lost back-to-back games and has fallen off pace in the NFC North, currently sitting in third place in the division.
Now, the Vikings are set to play host to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football as part of the Week 9 slate. Here is a look at what Vikings fans need to know heading into that game.
How to Watch the Minnesota Vikings This Week
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The Colts and Vikings kick off at 7:20 PM Central on Sunday, November 3rd inside U.S. Bank Stadium. The game will be broadcast on NBC. It can also be streamed on Peacock, NFL+ via the NFL app as well as NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV Peacock.
Colts vs. Vikings History
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Throughout the histories of the two franchises, the Colts and Vikings have met a grand total of 27 times, including a playoff matchup in 1968 for the Western Conference Championship Game. Overall, the Colts have a healthy lead in the all-time series with an 18-8-1 record.
However, in the most recent matchup between the two teams in 2022 saw the Vikings complete the largest comeback in NFL history. Minnesota fell down 33-0 at halftime before storming back to capture a 39-36 victory in overtime and snapping a six-game losing streak against Indy that went back to 2000.
Vikings Spotlight Player: OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
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This could apply to the entirety of the Vikingsā group of pass rushers. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota did not record a single sack of Matthew Stafford, and they only recorded three pressures.
That simply is not going to get the job done if you have any hopes of rattling a veteran QB, and the Vikings have another similar matchup this weekend (see below). Except this time, Minnesotaās defense will go up against a Colts offensive line that has arguably been the best in the NFL this season.
Per PFF grades, the Colts have the top group of pass blockers (81.3 grade) and run blockers (79.1 grade). With Jonathan Taylor in the backfield as well, the entire Vikings front seven is going to have to bring their A-game to own the line of scrimmage on Sunday.
Colts Spotlight Player: QB Joe Flacco
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Earlier this week, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they would be benching former fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson and starting Joe Flacco at quarterback this weekend. This comes after Richardson completed just 10 of his 32 passes last weekend for 175 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The Colts offense has been electric with Flacco under center this season. In the three games he has thrown a pass in, Flacco has completed 65.7% of his passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and an interception. The Vikings defense will need to come ready to play against the veteran this Sunday night.
Additional Links
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Vikings Depth Chart
Vikings Fans Shouldnāt Worry about Colts QB Decision
3 Losers from Cam Robinson Trade
Favorable Schedule Offers Vikings a Chance to Get Rolling
3 Reactions to Minnesota Vikings Trade for Cam Robinson
Editorās Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
