The Vikings are back from their bye, which came early in the season but was timed nicely in terms of allowing several key offensive players to get healthy. They’re one of three undefeated NFL teams and will look to keep it that way this Sunday against the 2-4 Colts, who just lost to the previously-winless Titans and then fired their general manager.
Favored by around a touchdown at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings’ task this week is to not overlook the Colts, even with more intriguing matchups coming up once the calendar flips to November. Let’s dive into our weekly preview.
From the practice field: What they’re saying
The Vikings are clear home favorites this week against a reeling Colts group. But they’re saying the right things about not taking their opponent lightly. Despite their slow start, Indianapolis did beat the Texans and take the Chiefs to overtime at Arrowhead earlier this season. Last year, they started 8-2 before falling apart when Daniel Jones got hurt.
Got a ton of respect for Shane (Steichen), known him a long time,” Kevin O’Connell said. “I just think as you watch the tape, talent on offense, talent on defense, special teams super impactful as well. So it’s going to be a big-time challenge for us.”
“We know Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts are a hungry football team right now,” linebacker Blake Cashman said.
Key matchup: Daniel Jones vs. Vikings’ D
There was a moment around the midway point of last season where Jones, who had the Colts soaring, was receiving some MVP buzz. He had the best passer rating of his career in 2025, with multiple touchdowns in nine of the first 12 games. Then, in early December, he tore his Achilles, and the Colts didn’t win another game.
This year has been a different story for Jones. He doesn’t have any games with multiple touchdowns. He’s thrown four TDs and rushed for one in six games, with six interceptions and three lost fumbles.
Among 33 quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks this season, Jones ranks 29th in PFF grade, 30th in passer rating, and 31st in adjusted completion percentage. No one has more than his 15 turnover-worthy plays. He’s also been sacked 15 times.
This week will be a tricky one for Jones to snap out of his slump. He’ll be going against a Vikings defense that leads the NFL in all kinds of categories and is elite at creating sacks and takeaways. As always, Brian Flores will be sending constant pressure at Jones and forcing him to make quick decisions.
One interesting subplot to this matchup is that Jones was on the Vikings’ practice squad for the final six months of the 2024 season after being cut by the Giants, so he has some familiarity with Flores’ defense (and vice versa).
“We, as a defense, would see Daniel Jones on the scout team when he was here,” Cashman said. “He always gave us really good looks. Now obviously, they’re scripted plays, and sometimes his reads are pre-determined. But in terms of feeling his pocket presence, his escapability and his arm strength, having to close windows, we experienced all that, so we know what we’re up against.”
Other key Colts to know
Offensively, in an effort to protect Jones, the Colts will almost certainly try to lean on star running back Jonathan Taylor, who is sixth in the league with 492 rushing yards and tied for second with 7 touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler is a home run threat who piled up 1,963 total yards and 20 TDs last season. The Vikings have been very good against the run this season, but they’ll have to be dialed in against Taylor.
Six-time All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson is the gold standard at his position. He leads an offensive line that is very solid but does have one weak point in center Tanor Bortolini. Jones’ top pass-catchers are tight end Tyler Warren and wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen.
Defensively, the Colts’ best unit might be the interior defensive line trio of DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Adetomiwa Adebawore. This will be another big test for the Vikings’ interior group (Joe Huber, Blake Brandel, ex-Colt Will Fries).
Former Viking Camryn Bynum leads the Colts’ defense in snaps and remains a good playmaker from the deep safety position. Akeem Davis-Gaither has played well at linebacker. And with no Sauce Gardner, Cam Taylor-Britt is likely in line for more snaps at cornerback alongside Charvarius Ward and Justin Walley.
Stats that matter
You’ve already seen the Daniel Jones stats, which are rough. Despite Taylor playing well and Indianapolis being second in EPA per rush, the Colts are just 22nd on offense because they’re 27th in EPA per dropback.
Defensively, the Colts are 24th in opponent EPA per play. Their pass defense has been mediocre and their run defense has been a mess (31st in EPA per rush). That sets up well for Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones this week.
Turnover margin might be the most relevant statistic in every NFL game. The Vikings are tied for the league lead at +6, while the Colts are dead last at -8. If those trends continue, it’ll be difficult for Indy to leave U.S. Bank Stadium with an upset win on Sunday.
X-factor: The kicking matchup
Two of the best players in Sunday’s game don’t play offense or defense. The Vikings’ Will Reichard and the Colts’ Spencer Shrader both have an argument as the best kicker in the NFL right now. Both are major weapons for their respective teams.
Reichard has made 34 straight field goals, dating back to last season. He’s made all 15 this season, including five from beyond 50 yards. Shrader leads the league with 18 makes on 18 attempts, including six from beyond 50.
This is going to be quite the kicker duel. A miss by either guy would be a stunner, even if it’s from 60 yards.
Head-to-head history
The Vikings are 9-18-1 all-time against the Colts, but they’ve won the last two games, both coming at U.S. Bank Stadium. There was the famous 33-0 comeback in 2022, followed by a 21-13 win over Joe Flacco in 2024. Before that, the Colts had won six straight matchups from 2000-2020. The Vikings have never won a road game against the Colts in Indianapolis or Baltimore (0-12), but they’re 9-6-1 in Minnesota.
Injury/availability report
The Vikings have a completely clean injury report coming out of the bye. Everyone on their 53-man roster practiced in full on Thursday. They are missing a couple notable players on IR in left guard Donovan Jackson and tight end Josh Oliver.
The Colts are expected to be without cornerback Sauce Gardner. Also notably absent from their practice on Thursday were tight end Tyler Warren and punter Rigoberto Sanchez. Keep an eye on the final injury report on Friday.
Minnesota connections
Former Vikings who play for the Colts include Cam Bynum, Laquon Treadwell, and Jerry Tillery. Slot corner Justin Walley is a former Golden Gopher.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.