NFL · 10 months ago

Colts vs Vikings SNF Week 9 Predictions | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets

John Canady

Host · Writer

The Indianapolis Colts head into hostile territory on the road against a Minnesota Vikings team looking to make a statement. The last time the two teams met, Indy gave up a 33-point lead to lose in overtime. Now, the Colts look for redemption in Minnesota despite being in the headlines all week for their decision to promote Joe Flacco as the starting quarterback over last year’s No. 4 overall pick, Anthony Richardson.

Colts vs Vikings

Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minnesota) | Time: 8:20 PM ET
Where to Watch: NBC/Peacock
Spread: Vikings -5.5, Moneyline: Vikings -235, Total: 46.5

Colts vs Vikings Best Bet: Colts +5.5

The Colts enter this matchup with a 4-4 record and are looking to get back over .500. Despite their even record, Indy has both won and lost each game by one score. The offense always puts points on the board when the defense is struggling. And when the offense can’t find a rhythm, the defense shows up. Despite the inconsistencies, it wouldn’t be a shock for Indy to take the Vikings down to the wire, and even if they don’t pull out the win, keep the game close.

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Colts vs Vikings Best Total Bet: Over 46.5

The Colts defense may be the biggest concern entering this matchup. Against a dangerous Vikings offense, Indy’s secondary could find themselves in trouble early, which puts the Colts in position to be playing from behind. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ defense struggled in the last two weekends against quarterbacks who could dissect Brian Flores’s complicated defensive schemes, with Flacco in the lineup, that could lead to a high-scoring spot. A final score of 31-27 could be a realistic outcome.

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Colts Best Player Bet: Jonathan Taylor 80+ Rushing Yards +100

Jonathan Taylor returned to the lineup last week and looked like he never left. The shifty runner evades tacklers, and his field vision always stands out. In a game where Shane Steichen and the offense may rely heavily on the ground game, expect a lot of touches for the Wisconsin product. With his ability to break any run-off for a long gain, 80 rushing yards seems like a favorable bet.

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Vikings Best Player Bet: Justin Jefferson 90+ Receiving Yards +104

As mentioned, the Colts secondary is a sign of concern for Indianapolis moving forward. The defense struggles against nearly every passing offense, and their ability to get off the field has sometimes been worrisome. When the offense is stagnant, the defense gets more reps, which tires them out. Against a talent of Justin Jefferson’s level, that’s the last thing an opposing defense wants to do. The star wideout could have a monster performance on prime time.