Colts at Vikings: Sunday Night Football  Odds, Picks, and Predictions

Colts at Vikings: Sunday Night Football Odds, Picks, and Predictions

This article is part of our NFL Picks series.

Betting Odds Picks and Predictions for Sunday Night Football, Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings

The Indianapolis Colts' unusual season continued in Week 8 with a loss to the Texans, and it could prove  a season-altering one considering it led to the benching of Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco. That decision has already had an impact on the betting lines, and in a real-world football sense, it arguably leaves Shane Steichen's club in a better position to compete in this challenging inter conference clash.

On the other side, the Vikings have seen a 5-0 start turn into 5-2, but they enter this game with a rest and home field advantage, not to mention a key offensive piece that's set to make his season debut. With plenty of moving parts, let's take a closer look at odds and best bets.

Check out all the generous sportsbook promos we have here, like this BetMGM bonus code that's good fora  first-bet offer valued at up to $1500 in bonus bets

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds

*Best lines at time of writing listed

Moneyline: Colts +205 (Caesars)/ Vikings -218 (DraftKings)

Point spread: Colts +5.5 (FanDuel)/ Vikings -5.5 (-105 Bet MGM)

Totals: 46.5 points (Bet MGM)

The spread for this game has seen some interesting movement over the last few days, with the announcement of Flacco as the Colts' starting quarterback, leading some bettors to put some money towards Indianapolis. The number sat at Vikings -7 before Indianapolis' Week 8 loss, but Anthony Richardson's benching spurred a narrowing of that figure to as low -5 at some sportsbooks entering the weekend.

The total has had a tighter range of movement. It sat at 46 points before the Colts' Week 8 contest and got as low as 45 points in the early-to-middle part of the week before bumping back up to 46.5 heading into the weekend. 

Sunday Night Football time!  Sign up now at the best online sportsbooks and use this Caesars Sportsbook promo code for a first-bet bonus bet worth up to $1000.

Indianapolis Colts @ Minnesota Vikings Betting Picks

Steichen's decision to pull the lever on a quarterback change is significant, considering Richardson's pedigree and the promise he holds. Nevertheless, the Colts' passing game simply isn't functional with the second-year signal-caller leading it at this point. 

The timing of the change is interesting for a couple of seemingly contrasting reasons. On the one hand, Flacco could have trouble handling the aggressive pass rush that defensive coordinator Brian Flores frequently dials up. Alternatively, without a viable passing game, it's almost certain Indianapolis would have failed to keep up with a Vikings team at home and with a rest advantage after having played Thursday night in Week 8.

Another reason why the Vikings likely put up even more points than usual is the season debut of T.J. Hockenson, who returns from MCL and ACL tears on Christmas Eve last year Hockenson has practiced throughout most of October and logged a trio of full sessions this week, lending credence to the notion he could be explosive and effective right out of the gate. At minimum, his presence opens up the field further for Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson and even the struggling Jordan Addison

The Colts' numbers against the pass have been solid overall, but Indy has struggled mightily against the run, especially on the road. Indianapolis surrenders an AFC-high 157.3 rushing yards per road game, and although the recent return of DeForest Buckner does help. The Vikings' Aaron Jones-led ground attack averages 134.3 rushing yards per home game. Therefore, a balanced attack that eventually wears Indy down looks in play here.

While Indy will remain competitive with Flacco, I see Minnesota snapping its losing streak with a touchdown victory. Meanwhile, a same-game parlay that backs a somewhat high-scoring game that includes Jones clearing a very reachable threshold is also worth considering.

Best Bets

  • Vikings -5 (-110 on DraftKings)
  • SGP: Over Alt Total 43.5 points and Aaron Jones 50+ rushing yards (-110 on FanDuel)

Its a wonderful time to take advantage of terrific NFL betting promos. Bet just $5 and use this FanDuel promo code to get $300 in bonus bets.

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings Prediction

Vikings 27, Colts 20

The Colts consistently play better with Flacco at the helm, as he literally boosts the outlook for all of Indianapolis' skill-position players. Nevertheless, Flores has had extra time to game plan and his defense is out for atonement after a rough last two weeks. Meanwhile, the addition of Hockenson to an already potent Vikings offense makes them that much more effective against a defense that struggles at times to stop the run, leading to a Minnesota win.

RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only NFL Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire NFL fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juan Carlos Blanco
Winner of the FSWA 2016 Newcomer of the Year Award, Juan Carlos Blanco has been playing fantasy sports for over 20 years and covers NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL and Arena Football for Rotowire.com, including serving as the beat writer for teams in multiple sports. He has previously written for KFFL.com and remains an avid season-long and daily fantasy player in multiple sports as well.
Week 12 Friday Injury Report: Purdy Out, Lamb In, Nabers Questionable
Week 12 Friday Injury Report: Purdy Out, Lamb In, Nabers Questionable
FanDuel NFL: Week 12 DFS Breakdown
FanDuel NFL: Week 12 DFS Breakdown
DraftKings NFL: Week 12 DFS Breakdown
DraftKings NFL: Week 12 DFS Breakdown
Wide Receivers vs. Cornerbacks: Week 12 Matchups
Wide Receivers vs. Cornerbacks: Week 12 Matchups
NFL DFS Picks: Yahoo Plays and Strategy for Week 12
NFL DFS Picks: Yahoo Plays and Strategy for Week 12
NFL Week 12 Picks, Predictions, Props and Best Bets for Every Game
NFL Week 12 Picks, Predictions, Props and Best Bets for Every Game