3 bold picks for the Vikings vs. Colts on Sunday Night Football

After going 5-0 for the sixth time in the last 27 seasons, the Minnesota Vikings they have since recorded two defeats in a row, first losing to Detroit Lions in week 7 and then until Los Angeles Rams four days later Thursday night football start week 8.

Given this short bye, Kevin O’Connell’s crew should be well rested heading into Week 9 and will look to get back to winning ways in his second straight primetime game as he is set to host Indianapolis Colts ON Sunday night football.

Of course, the last time these two teams met was in December 2022, a game in which the Vikings lost 33-0 before staging the greatest comeback in history NFL history, ultimately winning 39-36 in overtime.

Both teams look a bit different this time, especially at the quarterback position. That day, there was a duel at US Bank Stadium between Kirk Cousins, who currently plays for the team Atlanta Falconsand Matt Ryan, who is now retired.

Just a week ago, it looked like the QB battle on Sunday would be between Sam Darnold and Anthony Richardson. However, just like two years ago, the Vikings will go with a veteran signal-caller, as Richardson has been benched by the Colts in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco, who we’ll learn about in a moment.

But before we get to the passing game, let’s focus on the field because we think Aaron Jones will have a big day. And that’s where we’ll start our predictions for the Minnesota-Indy Week 9 matchup.

Aaron Jones is having a solid season so far, leading Minnesota with 728 yards from scrimmage, good for 10th among all players, seven of whom have played in more games.

Even with hip and hamstring issues, the former Packer recorded 501 yards and a touchdown on the ground, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and added 227 yards and a touchdown on 22 catches.

And while Jones will likely increase his damage taken totals, we see him doing most of his damage against Indianapolis on the ground.

Through their first eight games, the Colts have allowed 151.9 rushing yards per game, third-most in the NFL. Just Dallas Cowboys AND Carolina Panthers they allowed more, each giving up 154.6 per game.

Simply put, Jones is ready for a treat. He’s had just one 100-yard pass this season, rushing for 102 yards on 19 carries in Week 3 for the Vikings Houston, Texas. But he is primed to cross the century mark for the second time and don’t be surprised if it turns out to be his biggest score of the season. We’re calling for at least 125 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night.

Although TJ Hockenson remains questionable, all indications are that the two-time Pro Bowl player will take the field on Sunday for the first time in 315 days.

Hockenson, of course, spent those 315 days recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last Christmas Eve in a loss to the Lions.

Some had hoped he would return and face Detroit in Week 7 or Los Angeles in Week 8, but O’Connell chose the cautious route and used the entire 21-day training window before officially activating him last Friday.

Hockenson claims he is “bigger, stronger and faster than ever.” And even if that’s not entirely true, just getting him back into the game will do nothing but help this Minnesota team, both in the running game (he’s an excellent blocker) and in the passing game.

Before his injury last season, the Iowa alum was setting career highs in receptions (95) and receiving yards (960) and was held to a career-best touchdown pass, finding the end zone five times.

And finally, we see him walking into the end zone against the Colts on Sunday night. O’Connell will likely take a phased approach here, but Hockenson will likely see a decent amount of snaps anyway, including a few in the red zone, where he’s as dangerous as any tight end in the league.

Bet on Sam Darnold looking for him near the goal line, which is where the Vikings should be several times throughout this game.

With Flacco under center in Indianapolis, as opposed to Richardson, you’d think the Colts would go to a pass-based offense.

But that could have been the case, as Minnesota’s defense was fantastic against the run, allowing just 83.9 rushing yards per game, third-most in the NFL, just behind Baltimore Ravens (69.9) i Kansas City Chiefs (82.3).

On the other hand, the Vikings gave up the third-most yards per game, giving up an average of 263.0 yards. So again, Flacco will probably air it.

But that’s the point. The Vikings were able to compensate for some of their losses through the air with a league-leading 12 steals, which is one of the reasons they gave up the ninth-fewest points per game in the league.

We think they will add at least two points to that total on Sunday evening. It must be admitted that Flacco made only one tip in his three appearances this year (we do not count his one action last week), namely in the match against Tennessee Titans two weeks ago.

But in his six games with Cleveland Browns last season, which includes a postseason loss to Houston, the veteran scored at least one in each of them. And he threw two or more on half of them. So he tends to turn the ball over. Given the number of passes he’s likely to rack up on Sunday, the second-year receiver from Minnesota will have plenty of opportunities to get his hands on the football.

From an overall standpoint, Minnesota is the better team here and should be able to end their losing streak. We’re calling for a double-digit lead and the Vikings will ultimately win 27-17.