The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 9, with both teams looking for some change as the season hits its midway point. The Vikings got off to a blistering 5-0 start and Sam Darnold had found his way into the MVP discussion. Now, after a couple of losses in a row, the Vikings are looking to get back on track in a crowded NFC North, with all four teams in the division firmly in the playoff mix.
Indianapolis is making a change at quarterback heading into Week 9, turning to Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson, who, in addition to tapping out for a play because he was tired in Week 8, has not played well this season, completing just 44% of his passes with four touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Through that, though, the Colts are 4-4 and very much alive in the AFC playoff picture, entering the Week 9 “Sunday Night Football” matchup just a half-game out of the final AFC wild-card spot.
Live14 updates
Colts’ defense strikes first
Grover Stewart with a sack-fumble and Kenny Moore grabbed it for the scoop-n-score. While the game was still scoreless, the Colts needed that shot in the arm after having trouble moving the ball over their past few possessions.
Vikings pick up big first down with trick play
How does this even get scored in fantasy? Great throw by Justin Jefferson on this 3rd and 16.
Another Colts’ three-and-out
The Defenses are in control of the game right now. Indianapolis’ receivers are having trouble getting open, and unlike the first drive, aren’t winning first down with Jonathan Taylor on the ground.
Vikings get the ball into Colts territory with Justin Jefferson’s first catch but punt it away
Jefferson’s first catch went for 20 yards. Sam Darnold has been mostly sharp early. While he has the one interception, thats the only pass he’s thrown that wasn’t caught was that pick, and is 9-for-10 after the first quarter.
Colts give the ball right back
A short drive with a couple of Flacco incompletions, following that interception gives Minnesota the ball back with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.
Zaire Franklin picks off Darnold in the endzone
Much like the the Colts, the Vikings’ first drive ends in a turnover, with Sam Darnold throwing his sixth interception of the year. Also, much like Indy’s first drive, Minnesota got what the wanted running Aaron Jones. Darnold will have to protected the ball better, although he did make a nice play to buy some extra time.
Vikings take over and open with first down pass from Sam Darnold
Darnold has cooled some over the past two weeks, but he’s got 14 touchdown passes and just five interceptions as Minnesota got off to a 5-0 start, but has lost a couple in a row and will try to right the ship tonight.
First mistake of the game results in a turnover.
A poor exchange between Flacco and Taylor on a handoff ends a promising first drive for the Colts as the Vikings take over after the fumble.
Flacco’s first pass is complete to Kylen Granson
The big gain to the tight end got Indy into Minnesota territory on a 3rd and 1.
Colts receive the opening kickoff
Indy opens with a couple of runs to Jonathan Taylor, and the run game could set the tone for Indy. He had 105 yards rushing in Week 8 vs. Houston.
Joe Flacco gets the start for the Colts on Sunday Night Football
Anthony Richardson is headed to the bench “going forward” according to coach Shane Steichen. The move is believed to be a “soft benching” and that Flacco will remain at the helm as long as Indianapolis is in the AFC playoff race.
Filling in for an injured Deshaun Watson in Cleveland last year, Flacco led the Browns to five-straight wins down the stretch and an unexpected playoff berth.
Per Coach Steichen, Joe Flacco will start at quarterback “going forward.”
