Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts - NFL Week 2

Sunday
September 20, 2020
1:00 PM ET

Indianapolis, Indiana
Lucas Oil Stadium

About the Vikings

The Vikings need to solve the issues in their secondary fast as QB Aaron Rodgers burned them for 364 yards and 4 TDs. The defense couldn’t get any pressure either or couldn’t collapse the pocket and it was evident they were missing DE’s Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter who missed the game due to injury. LB’s Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks will have to lead a young defense into Indianapolis and face the Colts. While QB Philip Rivers isn’t Rodgers, the Vikings must remain focused against the wily veteran. QB Kirk Cousins must get off to a good start and get WR Adam Thielen to stretch the field so that RB Dalvin Cook can get his touches. The offense is more effective when Cook carries the ball but his opportunities will decrease if the Vikings have to play behind. Cook only had 12 rushing attempts against the Packers.

About the Colts

The Colts were held to 3 points in the 2nd half against the Jaguars and QB Philip Rivers threw 2 interceptions that hurt his team. Despite the turnovers, Rivers played well and spread the ball around to his playmakers as he racked up 363 passing yards and he will have to protect the football against this opportunistic Vikings defense. RB Marlon Mack had to be carted off the field and was later diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon ending his season. Rookie RB Johnathon Taylor and RB Nyheim Hines will assume the workload in the backfield for the Colts. While Hines is a more finesse back who is adept at catching passes in the flat, Taylor is built to run in between the tackles but also has the speed to beat defenders on the outside. DE Denico Autry had a big game with 2 sacks and should be able to exploit his matchup against the Vikings offensive line and should turn QB pressures into meaningful sacks.

Players to Watch

Dalvin Cook (Vikings): The Vikings have to get Cook cooking and get him the ball by any means. Getting him touches in the passing game would allow him to be effective also and Cook can wear defenses down with his physical style of running.

Nyheim Hines (Colts): Now would be a great time for Hines to show that he is capable of being an every-down back and not just a 3rd down specialist and special teamer. He has great versatility and should be ready to assume a bigger role.

Impact Rookies

Justin Jefferson (Vikings): Jefferson should become more involved in the passing game as he season progresses and becomes a legit #2 WR to complement Adam Thielen.

Johnathon Taylor (Colts): With the unfortunate injury to Marlon Mack, Taylor has an opportunity to show that he is as good as advertised and good enough to be the starting RB moving forward.

Key Statistic

According to NFL.com, Philip Rivers has a 33-36 record in the first 5 weeks of a season but is 56-29 through weeks 12-17.

Prediction

The Vikings prioritize giving Cook the ball and it pays off as the Colts struggle to contain him. Rivers has a difficult time handling the Vikings pass rush and ends up committing multiple turnovers.

Final Score: Vikings 31 / Colts 17