The NFL Week 9 Sunday slate concludes with the Indianapolis Colts (4-4) face the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium for Sunday Night Football. Kickoff will be at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The major storyline entering SNF is the Colts benching their fourth overall pick from last year's NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson, for veteran Joe Flacco. As for the Vikings, they've dropped two straight games after an undefeated start to the season. However, they do welcome back a big offensive weapon with T.J. Hockenson, who is set for his season debut after tearing his ACL and MCL last season.
You can find my two Colts vs Vikings anytime touchdown scorer picks below.
Colts vs Vikings Anytime Touchdown Props — Sunday Night Football
- Josh Downs Anytime Touchdown (+270; DraftKings)
- T.J. Hockenson Anytime Touchdown (+240; FanDuel)
WR Josh Downs
Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+270)
Josh Downs has three touchdowns in his six games and he should see more volume in the passing game with Flacco at quarterback. In two-plus games with Flacco under center, Downs has 23 catches and two touchdowns.
The Vikings present a plus matchup; they've allowed 10 touchdowns to wide receivers this season (third most in the NFL).
Minnesota also plays zone coverage at a top-three rate. Downs leads the Colts with a 31% target share and two touchdowns against zone this season.
TE T.J. Hockenson
Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+240)
I'm taking a bit of a risk here assuming that Hockenson will be in strong form in his season debut. Reports out of Minnesota indicate that he won’t be on a snap count; he also carries no injury designation.
The Colts have given up four touchdowns to tight ends this season and have allowed the second-most receptions to the position. Unsurprisingly, they rank 27th in defensive DVOA against tight ends.
They also play zone at a top-five rate. Last season, Hockenson led the Vikings with three touchdowns and a 26.5% target share against zone.
I expect the Vikings to have some designed plays in the red zone to get Hockenson going.
