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Colts at Vikings: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) warms up passing the ball before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) warms up passing the ball before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts travel to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 15. Here’s a preview and a look at the odds.

Week 15 will feature a matchup between two teams with dwindling playoff hopes when the Minnesota Vikings (7-6) host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7). Both teams face a must win scenario, although it’s far more dire for Minnesota. Indy only trails the division leading Houston Texans by one game. Meanwhile, the Vikings trail the Detroit Lions by two games with the division leader holding the tiebreaker.

The Colts rely quite heavily on Andrew Luck. However, they don’t protect him well, as he’s one of the most pressured quarterbacks by pass rushers in the NFL. Indy ranks ninth in points per game and passing yards per game, but they also rank 25th in rushing yards per game. Luck has thrown for 3,381 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Plus, he has 304 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown.

On the other side of the field, the Vikings have won just two games since starting their season 5-0. One of those wins came last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The other came against the Arizona Cardinals back in November. Unlike the Colts, who rely on their offense, the Vikings rely on their defense. Their defense allows merely 17.3 points per game, the fewest in the NFL. Minnesota’s secondary also ranks as one of the best in the league.

Odds

Spread: Minnesota (-4)
Money line: Colts +169, Vikings -200
Over/Under: 44

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This should be an interesting matchup, as the two teams strengths will be battling each other. Indy will hope Luck and the offense can score enough points to force the Vikings to catch up. Meanwhile, Minnesota will hope to limit one of the NFL’s top offenses and get their own offense going.

Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Minnesota 20

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