The Indianapolis Colts are set to travel to US Bank Stadium and take on the Minnesota Vikings in the first game of an NFL Saturday slate.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-8-1) are coming off their late Week 14 bye and have their hands full vs a strong Minnesota Vikings team (10-3). While the season may be practically hopeless, as far as playoffs go for Indy, the team could be playing spoiler to one of the better teams in the NFC. The teams’ records may suggest that Indianapolis doesn’t have a chance but a closer look at both squads shows that’s not true.
Minnesota’s defense is currently ranked as one of the league’s worst in scoring, allowing 24.1 points a game, and are fielding one of the worst secondaries in football. Over the past five weeks, each opposing team has dropped more than 400 yards of total offense. On the season, the Vikings have given up a league-high 3,733 yards
passing.
A look at the point differentials from the teams with the best records in the NFL ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IbZ9MZ9bOI
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 14, 2022
Colts can challenge the Vikings’ secondary
Although Parks Frazier has limited experience as a play caller in the few games this season since taking over for Indianapolis due to the coaching changes, there should be a great number of opportunities to get the offense clicking. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Parris Campbell could each very well have a big game on Saturday. The trio has combined for 158 catches, over 1,700 yards, and seven touchdowns on the season.
Of course, Jonathan Taylor and running the ball is more the Colts’
offensive identity and the Vikings rank more middle of the pack as far as rushing defense goes. They allow 116.5 yards a game, which is 16th in the league.
If we look at the other side of the ball the Colts will have their hands
full, attempting to stop one of, if not the league’s best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. Doing so would be up to Stephon Gilmore, and likely Isaiah Rodgers given the newest ruling on Kenny Moore’s injury status. The Colts field one of the league’s best pass defenses, ranking third in the NFL in fewest yards allowed and a mere 16 touchdowns given up. The strength vs. strength battle makes Saturday’s game a must-watch.
Dalvin Cook is another star the Vikings have that will have a tough
matchup. The Colts have been allowing 4.2 yards per carry to running backs in their first 13 games. Cook, who is coming off a performance where fumbling issues played a detrimental factor in their loss, is starting to look like a shell of himself and isn’t the elite workhorse of days past. This could mean a big day for defenders like Grover Stewart, Zaire Franklin, and Bobby Okereke.
The blueprint for the Colts’ success against the Vikings is consistent
offense and stopping the big plays on defense. Jeff Saturday is set to coach his first Saturday game in a tough matchup. If the Colts can play at their best and not implode, a win over a good non-conference team could be a selling point into what this team can accomplish looking forward and possibly begin a seemingly unlikely playoff run.
Jeff Saturday has a vision for the Colts and that’s why he’s trying to become Indy’s official head coach
Although Jeff Saturday is just the interim head coach for the Indianapolis Colts, he is working to be around for the long haul.