The Indianapolis Colts (4-4) and Minnesota Vikings (5-2) close the Sunday slate of NFL Week 9. Kickoff for Sunday Night Football is set for 8:20 p.m. ET from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game will be broadcast live on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock, YouTube TV and other streaming services.
Colts vs Vikings odds (via BetMGM) have the Vikings as -275 moneyline favorites and the Colts as +220 underdogs. The over/under is 47 (-115o / -105u). The Vikings are 6-point favorites on the spread (-6).
Let's get into my Colts vs Vikings predictions and picks, plus the latest NFL odds, injuries, betting trends and more.
Colts vs Vikings Picks and Predictions
Spread
My pick for Sunday Night Football is on the Vikings to cover the first-half spread at -3 (-120). Instead of trusting the Vikings over the duration of the game, I see reason to believe in Kevin O'Connell's team coming out hot in primetime.
Moneyline
I do not have a moneyline bet for this matchup, but I am siding with Minnesota in the early going.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in this one.
My pick: Vikings 1H -3 (-120)
Colts vs Vikings Odds, Prediction
Indianapolis Colts Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+6 -110 | 47 -115o / -105u | +220 |
Minnesota Vikings Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-6 -110 | 47 -115o / -105u | -275 |
- Colts vs. Vikings spread: Colts +6 (-110), Vikings -6 (-110)
- Colts vs. Vikings over/under: 47 (-115o / -105u)
- Colts vs. Vikings moneyline: Colts +220, Vikings -275
- Colts vs. Vikings pick: Vikings 1H -3 (-120)
My Colts vs Vikings best bet is on Minnesota to cover the first half spread. For all of your NFL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page.
Colts vs Vikings Sunday Night Football Preview
Following two straight losses, I'm looking to buy the dip on the Vikings at home with one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL. I'm also looking to sell a Colts team that I believe is overvalued with four wins (all by one possession) against the Dolphins with a backup quarterback (out-played statistically), Steelers, Bears and Titans.
Some may be bit concerned after the two recent Minnesota losses, but the Lions seem to have its number and then it fell into a brutal spot against the Rams on a short week. I'm still in on a team that started 5-0 against a very difficult schedule. Meanwhile, I'm looking to sell the Colts, who come in with a 4-4 overall record but have been the spread darlings of the league to date at 7-1 against the spread (ATS).
The Vikings have been dominant on offense in the first half in large part due to Kevin O'Connell's spectacular script. That effect could be even more amplified this week with extra time to prepare for a very static Gus Bradley defense that doesn't really blitz, which makes the loss of Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw less impactful. Plus, Minnesota acquired Cam Robinson from Jacksonville to help fill that massive void and should get stud tight end T.J. Hockenson back here.
In 2024, the Vikings have averaged over a touchdown lead at halftime through seven games and have trailed only once outside of its loss to Detroit. In their other six games, that average lead grows to double digits with five of the six margins at six or more points.
While Minnesota ranks in the top five in most advanced metrics on offense in the first quarter and first half, it's in the bottom third in EPA and Success Rate in the second half.
I fully expect the Vikings offense to come out cooking against a Colts defense that has started to get healthier but still profiles as a below-average unit. I can't see Indy matching up in the secondary, and it usually takes Bradley a long time to make any key adjustments (see the Packers game where he didn't adjust to the heavy rushing attack until halftime).
Not only does O'Connell get extra time to prepare, but so does defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who's a wizard. You can expect exotic looks and many different blitz packages against a Colts team that has struggled mightily against the blitz with or without Joe Flacco.
Yes, Flacco is an upgrade over the severely inaccurate Anthony Richardson, but I think the love for him has gone too far. It's not like he lit the world on fire against the Titans, and he came in with a two-touchdown lead against the Steelers. Most of his season-long production was against a beat-up (and bad) Jacksonville secondary.
Plus, the Colts won't be at full strength along the offensive line with a rookie potentially starting at left tackle. Considering Indy is nowhere near as efficient running the ball with Flacco under center, that should lead to plenty of known passing situations for Flores to bring the blitz against the statuesque veteran QB.
And from a metrics standpoint, similar to the offense, the Vikings defense has also been superior in the 1H compared to the second. Meanwhile, the Colts offense ranks 27th in EPA/play and 31st in first-half Success Rate. Indianapolsi has only led at the half twice this season and didn't even lead against the Dolphins and Packers, both of whom started backup quarterbacks.
Pick: Vikings 1H -3 (-120)
Colts vs Vikings, How to Watch: Time, Channel, Streaming
Location: | U.S. Bank Stadium |
Date: | Sunday, Nov. 3 |
Kickoff Time: | 8:20 p.m. ET |
TV / Streaming: | NBC / Peacock and YouTube TV |
Vikings vs. Colts is scheduled for a 8:20 p.m. ET start time, live from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday night. The game is broadcasted live by NBC and is streaming on Peacock and YouTube TV.
Colts vs Vikings Injuries/Inactives
Colts Injuries
Player | Status |
---|---|
OT Bernhard Raimann | Out (concussion) |
Vikings Injuries
Player | Status |
---|---|
LB Blake Cashman | Out (toe) |
DL Taki Taimani | Out (ankle) |
CB Akayleb Evans | Out (hip) |