Colts vs. Vikings odds, predictions, picks and best bets
The 4-4 Indianapolis Colts travel to Minnesota to take on the 5-2 Vikings in one of the premiere games of Week 9. The Colts' rollercoaster season has hit some turmoil as quarterback Anthony Richardson has been benched for backup Joe Flacco. Richardson has struggled as a passer this season, and controversially took a play off […]
The 4-4 Indianapolis Colts travel to Minnesota to take on the 5-2 Vikings in one of the premiere games of Week 9.
The Colts' rollercoaster season has hit some turmoil as quarterback Anthony Richardson has been benched for backup Joe Flacco. Richardson has struggled as a passer this season, and controversially took a play off during last week's loss to the Houston Texans due to being tired.
Flacco has played well in relief of Richardson this year, throwing seven touchdown passes and just one interception. The Colts' offense as a whole has operated smoother with Flacco at the helm. When healthy, running back Jonathan Taylor has played well, averaging nearly five yards per carry. Indianapolis needs its defense to step up, ranking 30th against the run and 28th in total yards allowed.
After a 5-0 start, the Vikings are reeling a bit after losing their last two games. Their defense was dominant throughout the first five games, but has surrendered at least 30 points during their two losses.
Minnesota's offense is still operating at a high level led by breakout quarterback Sam Darnold, but he needs a wide receiver opposite Justin Jefferson to step up. The Vikings need a win to keep pace in the highly competitive NFC North, as they trail both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers and have just a one game lead over the Chicago Bears.
Let's take a look at the odds and best bets for this matchup.
*Odds from FanDuel and subject to change
Colts-Vikings Moneyline
Colts: +198
Vikings: -240
Despite riding a 2-game skid, I think Minnesota puts it back together at home and gets a win. The Vikings' pass rush, which ranks fifth in the NFL in sacks, could make life hard for the immobile Flacco. Offensively, Minnesota should continue to roll against a subpar Colts defense.
The Colts are a better team with Flacco at quarterback and should play the Vikings close, which is why I'm avoiding the spread. The payout on the Vikings' moneyline isn't great, so unless you're extremely confident Minnesota will win, it may be best to either avoid it or take a chance on the Colts' moneyline, which would pay nicely.
Colts-Vikings Spread
Colts: +5.5 (-118)
Vikings: -5.5 (-104)
Neither team is significantly better than the other, making a 5.5-point spread just too steep.
Colts-Vikings Over/Under 46.5 points
Over: -106
Under: -114
As I mentioned above, Indianapolis' offense operates better with Flacco and the Vikings shouldn't have trouble putting up points against the Colts' defense. Flacco may struggle a bit with the Minnesota pass rush, but he'll make some plays against its suspect secondary. I'll bet the over with confidence.
Colts-Vikings Prop Bets
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor over 71.5 rushing yards (-115)
Taylor has been great when healthy this season and has eclipsed 71 rushing yards in every game but one. The Vikings' front seven presents a bit of a stiff matchup, but Taylor ran for 105 yards against a stout Houston Texans defense last week. He is also getting a ton of volume within the Colts' offense, garnering at least 20 touches in each of his last three games.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson over 6.5 receptions (+100)
Jefferson has gone over six receptions in each of his last two games. He has an excellent matchup against an Indianapolis secondary that ranks 24th in the NFL against the pass. As Darnold's No. 1 target, this is a pretty safe bet.
