Vikings Could Benefit From Two Key Players Being Out For Colts in Week 6

The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and as a result of the Vikings being at home, they already have an advantage, but Minnesota could have an even larger advantage with two key Colts players being ruled out for Sunday.

On that note, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Colts head coach Shane Steichen ruled cornerback Suace Garder (calf) and tight end Tayler Warren (groin) out for the matchup against the Vikings on Sunday.

This is major news for both Gardner and Warren being out as they are two of the more important players for the Colts and with them both out the Vikings could be able to really take advantage.

Starting with Gardner being out, this could be huge for the Minnesota offense as quarterback Kyler Murray has struggled to get going and get wide receiver Justin Jefferson involved, but with Gardner missing this game, Murray should be able to take advantage of the matchups that Jefferson will have against a Colts secondary that is allowing 228.7 yards per game.

Additionally, fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison could be in a position to capitalize on advantageous matchups as well and if wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is elevated from the practice squad he could also be in a great position to have a great outing.

Now shifting to the other side of the ball, as a result of Warren being out, the Colts lose a ton of explosiveness and with wide receiver Alec Pierce on IR there will be a ton of pressure on quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Jonathan Taylor, and wide receiver Kennan Allen to find ways to move the ball.

When it comes to moving the ball without Warren, it is going to be very difficult against a Vikings defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores that has been dominant in stopping the run and shutting down opposing passing attacks.

Specifically in the pass game, Flores will literally put a ton of pressure on Jones and the offensive line as Flores blitzes at a league-high rate of 66.5 percent per Sharp Football Analysis, which is 23.9 percent ahead of the next team. Simply put, if the Colts cannot run the ball with Taylor and struggle to block the blitz up front, this is going to be a long day for Indianapolis. 

So, as the Vikings and Colts head into Sunday it will be very intriguing to see the game plan for Indianapolis on both sides of the ball with Gardner and Warren out and if the Colts cannot overcome those losses and likely result in a dominant win for the Vikings to improve them to 6-0 while the Colts would fall to 2-5.