Aug 21, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Benny LeMay (42) breaks away from Minnesota Vikings defensive end Hercules Mata'afa (50) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings (5-2) and Indianapolis Colts (4-4) are set to face off Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota is coming off a disappointing 30-20 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week, while Indianapolis lost 23-20 on the road to the Houston Texans.
Indianapolis leads the all-time series 18-8-1.
The last time these two teams faced each other was two years ago, and it was a very memorable game, to say the least. Kirk Cousins went 34/54 for 460 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Dalvin Cook rushed for 95 yards on 17 carries to go along with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jefferson caught 12 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. K.J. Osborn caught 10 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown — an utterly clutch performance.
On defense, Eric Kendricks tied for a game-high 12 tackles and also recorded a sack. Danielle Hunter recorded 1.5 sacks. Minnesota won 39-36 in overtime after trailing 33-0, completing the largest comeback in NFL history.
“We’re going to grind it out until they tell us there’s no more ball left to play,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.
For Indianapolis, Matt Ryan went 19/33 for 182 yards and a touchdown. Zack Moss rushed for 81 yards on 24 carries. Michael Pittman caught 10 passes for 60 yards. On defense, Bobby Okerke tied for a game-high with 12 tackles. Julian Blackmon returned an interception for a touchdown.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 11-3 and clinched the NFC North for the first time since 2017. They finished the season at 13-4 and lost to the New York Giants in the first round. Indianapolis fell to 4-9-1 with the loss, finishing at 4-12-1 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
After the surprising 5-0 start, Minnesota has lost two in a row, including at home to the divisional rival Detroit Lions. They also lost Christian Darrisaw for the season. They did acquire Cam Robinson, a good player, but losing Darrisaw is still a massive blow for this team. However, they get T.J. Hockenson back this week for his season debut, which will be huge.
The good news is that the toughest part of the schedule is over, and the NFC is very wide open. Their chances of winning the division are not looking too good right now, but it is not impossible by any means. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could also add another piece by the trade deadline on Tuesday.
Minnesota has a great chance to win this game, and they need to. Their season is not over if they lose, but they need to get back on track. While Indianapolis will be tougher to beat with Joe Flacco starting over Anthony Richardson, they should win this game.
If Minnesota wants to stay in the playoff race the rest of the way, especially the division, they need to defend their homefield.
Prediction: Vikings win 27-17