One of the more intriguing games of Week 9 is the "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Minnesota Vikings.
While the Vikings (5-2) have been one of the biggest surprises of the season behind Sam Darnold and a tough defense, the Colts (4-2) have had an up-and-down start. Promising young QB Anthony Richardson, after a lackluster start with plenty of accuracy issues, was benched this week for veteran Joe Flacco.
How will he fare on the road in Minnesota? Stay with NBC News all night for the latest on the game.
Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Date: Sunday, Nov. 3
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
How to watch: NBC or stream on Peacock
Justin Jefferson arrives for SNF
Feel the rush?
Both Indianapolis and Minnesota rank in the league’s bottom third defensively in allowing rushing yards, with the Colts giving up an average of 227 yards, and the Vikings 263, which is the NFL’s third-worst average. Can either team take advantage? Neither has been a monster on the ground so far.
Colts left tackle won’t play
The blind-side protection of left tackle is a right-handed quarterback’s best friend. Tonight the Colts won’t have left tackle Bernhard Raimann, however, after he was ruled out for a concussion. Raimann didn’t practice leading up to the game. A rookie, Matt Goncalves, or 2023 draft pick Blake Freeland could fill in.
Could Anthony Richardson be traded?
Colts fans entered the season optimistic Anthony Richardson would be their franchise quarterback for years to come. But after being benched this week for subpar play in favor of Joe Flacco, questions remain about how long he'll be in Indianapolis.
According to reports, multiple teams have reached out to inquire about what it would take to get Richardson but it is doubtful he gets dealt. Richardson is still learning the position and boasts potential for greatness if it comes together. The question is whether it’ll ever come together.
The Indy Star reported the team has no intentions of moving on from Richardson.
Vikings defense struggling after fast start
After starting the season 5-0, they have lost two straight. During that undefeated five-game stretch they did not allow 30+ points. Over two losses, both them surrendering more than 30 points.
Vikings acquire Cam Robinson this week
The Vikings acquired left tackle Cam Robinson this week in a trade with the Jaguars, getting a replacement for the injured Christian Darrisaw. Minnesota received Robinson and a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 conditional 2026 fifth-round pick (can be a fourth).
Darrisaw suffered a torn ACL & MCL in Week 8 vs the Rams
Tale of two QBs
Anthony Richardson entered the season with a ton of potential, but so far accuracy issues have plagued him. He has an NFL-worst 44.4% completion percentage with five total touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Joe Flacco, meanwhile? He has completed 65.7% of his passes with seven touchdowns and one interception over two starts.
Colts losing close games
Indianapolis lost 23-20 at Houston last week, its third loss this season by three points or fewer.
The Colts are the first team in NFL history to have their first eight games all decided by six points or fewer. In hopes of turning things around, they announced this week that they will start Joe Flacco at QB.