Saturday Football Preview: Vikings vs. Colts
Non-Conference NFL Matchup
Point Spread: Colts +4.0 | Total Points: 48.5
The Colts come into this week’s game having lost 3 straight games, leading to an overall record of just 4-8-1. They will look to get back on track in a non-conference matchup vs the Vikings. In week 13, the Indianapolis Colts fell to the Cowboys by a score of 54-19. Indianapolis lost the game by more than anticipated, as the oddsmakers placed Indianapolis as 11.0 point underdogs. In terms of the over-under, the teams combined for 73 points, which surpassed the betting line of 44.
Leading into their week 15 matchup against Indianapolis, the Vikings have an overall record of 10-3. In week 14, the Minnesota Vikings dropped their NFC North matchup against the Lions by a score of 34-23. Minnesota entered the game as 2.5-point underdogs. The teams combined for a total of 57 points, which surpassed the over-under betting line of 51.
Colts vs Vikings History
In the 2021-2022 season, there were no games between the Colts and Vikings. In the last 3 games between Minnesota and Indianapolis, the Colts have dominated the series, going 3-0. This includes a convincing margin of victory of 16 points per contest. Across the last 3 head-to-head matchups, Indianapolis is averaging 28 points compared to Minnesota at 12.
Minnesota will look to do a better job at home in this series, as, across their 3 most recent home games vs Indianapolis, they are 0-3. Indianapolis holds a edge vs the spread, going 4-1 in the previous 5 meetings. These games have finished with an average point total of 42, leading to an over-under mark of 1-3-1.
Notable Injuries
Indianapolis Colts
- Brandon Facyson (Illness) Questionable
- Kenny Moore II (Shin) Questionable
- Braden Smith (Illness) Probable
Minnesota Vikings
- Harrison Smith (Illness) Questionable
- Jordan Hicks (Ankle) Questionable
- Garrett Bradbury (Back) Questionable
- Harrison Phillips (Back) Questionable
- Christian Darrisaw (Concussion) Questionable
- Cameron Dantzler Sr. (Illness) Questionable
- Blake Brandel (Knee) Questionable
- James Lynch (Shoulder) Questionable
- Ty Chandler (Ankle) Questionable
Keys To Victory: Indianapolis Colts
This season, the Colts have had their problems on offense, as through 13 games they are averaging just 16.1 points per game. The Colts struggling offense has led to an average scoring margin of -6.85 points per game. In this week’s matchup, look for the Colts’ offense to attack the Vikings’ secondary, as the unit has had its problems defending the pass. For the season, Indianapolis is averaging 217.9 yards per contest through the air. Indianapolis quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown for a total of 2875 passing yards on a passer rating of 84.01. In week 15, Ryan is a candidate for a strong performance vs a secondary that can be taken advantage of through the air. Going into the game, the team’s leader in receiving yards is Michael Pittman Jr., who has caught 71.0% of the balls thrown his way for a total of 755 yards.
Through 13 games, the rushing attack has not been a big part of the Colts offense as they are averaging just 100.2 yards per game on the ground. So far, the team’s leading rusher is Jonathan Taylor, who is averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Through 10 games, he has rushed for a total of 861 yards on the ground.
Keys To Victory: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota enters this week’s action averaging 24.0 points per game, placing them 10th in the NFL. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown for 3358 yards, with the team ranking 8th in yards per game through the air. This production has come while averaging 38.5 passing attempts (5th). The team’s top receiver Justin Jefferson has caught 69.7% of the passes thrown his way and has accumulated 1500 receiving yards.
A key to the Vikings’ chances in the game is if they will be able to put together a stronger effort on the ground. So far Minnesota is averaging just 95.6 yards per game in the rushing attack.
Betting Trends
- Indianapolis is 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
- Indianapolis is 2-2-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home.
- Indianapolis is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games as the underdog.
- Indianapolis is 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 games as the favorite.
Prediction
Originally we had the Colts winning in an upset, but now we think this game will come down to a field goal game. We like the Vikings to win with the Colts to Cover the spread.
