Preview: Vikings vs. Colts · prediction, injury report, analysis

The Minnesota Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 of the NFL season on Sunday, October 25 at 11:00 CDMX time (1:00 p.m. ET) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Minnesota arrives unbeaten at 5-0 and leads the NFC North. Indianapolis sits at 2-4 and is second in the AFC South.

Match preview

The Vikings (5-0) rank third in the league by winning percentage and lead the NFC North, going 2-0 in divisional play. <cite index="23-5">They are one of only three unbeaten teams</cite>, and <cite index="10-1">they return from their bye week</cite> on a five-game winning streak.

Recent results: 23-13 at New Orleans, 15-10 over Miami, 23-16 at Tampa Bay, 9-3 at Chicago and 39-22 against Green Bay in Week 1.

The defense has driven the start. Minnesota has allowed 64 points in five games, 12.8 per outing, and <cite index="14-4">USA Today Network calls it arguably the most disruptive defense in football</cite>. The offense averages 21.8 points and has topped 23 only once.

At U.S. Bank Stadium the Vikings are 2-0, beating Green Bay 39-22 and Miami 15-10. On the road they are 3-0, so they have yet to lose anywhere this season.

The Colts (2-4) arrive on a two-game skid: 26-20 to Tennessee in Week 6 and 34-22 to Pittsburgh in Week 5. <cite index="16-7">The Titans earned their first win of 2026 against them.</cite>

Before that slide, Indianapolis beat Washington 30-13 and Houston 19-17, and lost 33-30 to Kansas City in Week 2. The Colts are 1-1 in the AFC South.

The Colts' offense scores 24.0 points per game (144 total), but the defense allows 27.3 (164). On the road they are 1-2.

Turmoil away from the field adds pressure. <cite index="3-8">The club fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday</cite>, days after the loss to the Titans.

This will be the 29th meeting between the franchises, <cite index="12-4">according to the Vikings' official site</cite>. The most recent came on November 3, 2024, when Minnesota won 21-13. Before that, the Colts took the previous three regular-season meetings: 28-11 in 2020, 34-6 in 2016 and 23-20 in 2012.

A third straight loss would deepen the trouble for an Indianapolis season already wobbling. Minnesota is chasing 6-0 with home field on its side.

Injury report

Minnesota comes out of the bye in better shape. <cite index="4-3">Head coach Kevin O'Connell listed running back Jordan Mason as questionable and said everyone else is expected to be available.</cite> <cite index="4-4">Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and tight end T.J. Hockenson return from concussion protocol, along with receiver Jordan Addison, who had a hamstring issue.</cite> Tight end Josh Oliver remains on injured reserve (biceps).

For Indianapolis, <cite index="6-9">tight end Tyler Warren (groin), cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) and receiver Anthony Gould (concussion) are out.</cite> <cite index="6-9">Linebackers C.J. Allen (ankle) and Bryce Boettcher (groin), cornerback Justin Walley (knee) and punter Rigoberto Sanchez (foot) are questionable.</cite>

<cite index="1-13">Walley would be a sizable loss as the team's slot corner.</cite> With Gardner out, <cite index="5-4">the most likely move is Cam Taylor-Britt on the outside.</cite> Receiver Alec Pierce remains on injured reserve (heel).