Colts vs. Vikings | Predictions & Picks

The Indianapolis Colts (2-4) will attempt to ground themselves on Sunday as they travel to Minneapolis to face the host Minnesota Vikings (5-0) before their season truly spirals out of control.

The Colts' 2026 campaign is at a crossroads. After consecutive losses, including an embarrassing finish last week to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, the Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard. Will that move spark the Colts and help them turn the tide, or will the team retreat into its shell?

Trade rumors and thoughts of a slide are once again surrounding the Colts. This game could be a back-breaker unless they can avoid it.

Here is how the ColtsRoundtable staff sees Sunday's game unfolding.

Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL): Vikings 23, Colts 13

"I'd often like to lead with the optimistic take on the matchup with a clear advantage the Colts have over their opponent, but I'm not sure there is one this week. Minnesota's defense blitzes far more than any other team, which is something the Colts' offense struggles against. The Colts can usually run the ball, but opponents are running against Minnesota less than anyone else because of the defensive fronts the Vikings present. The Vikings' offense isn't doing well despite having Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, but they've had a week to figure out what to do, coming off their bye.

"The Colts would often have the edge on special teams and penalties, but Minnesota's special teams are just as good as Indy's, if not better, and the Colts and Vikings are tied for being the second-least-penalized teams in the NFL. No Tyler Warren or Sauce Gardner for the Colts, and Minnesota doesn't have a soul on the injury report. The Vikings have the clear advantages in this one."

Jake on the season: 2-4

Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2): Vikings 19, Colts 9

"The Colts limp into Minnesota coming off of their most embarrassing loss since 2024. They are without two of their best players in Warren and Gardner, while the 5-0 Vikings are looking healthy coming out of their bye week.

"The Vikings boast the top defense in football, while the Colts’ offense can’t get out of their own way. This seems to be a recipe for disaster, with very little room for the Colts to make up this disadvantage. This should be an ugly kickers duel, with the Vikings coming out on top."

Zach on the season: 4-2

The Colts take on the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.