Spokesman-Review
National Football League
Minnesota 21, Indianapolis 13
When: 8:20 PM ET, Sunday, November 3, 2024
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Temperature: Dome
Head Official: Shawn Smith
Attendance: 66954

Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes in the second half and the Minnesota Vikings held on for a 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Josh Oliver had one touchdown reception apiece for Minnesota (6-2), which bounced back from a two-game skid. Darnold completed 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, and Justin Jefferson finished with seven catches for a game-high 137 receiving yards.

Cornerback Kenny Moore II scored the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5) on a fumble recovery. Joe Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and one interception.

The Vikings outgained the Colts 415-227.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Minnesota pulled even at 7-7 on the opening drive of the third quarter. Darnold rolled right and passed to Addison, who made a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.

Minnesota scored again to grab a 14-7 advantage with 2:49 remaining in the third quarter. Darnold connected with Nailor for a 7-yard touchdown to finish a nine-play, 80-yard drive.

Indianapolis cut its deficit to 14-10 with 12:41 to go in the fourth quarter. Matt Gay drilled a 42-yard field goal just inside the left upright.

The Vikings grabbed a two-score lead with 2:05 left in the fourth quarter. Darnold kept the ball on a play-action fake and threw to Oliver near the front left pylon for a 14-yard touchdown.

Gay made a 54-yarder to bring the Colts within 21-13 with 28 seconds remaining.

Jefferson recovered the Colts' last-ditch onside kick to secure the victory for Minnesota.

The Colts' defense provided the only points of the first half.

Defensive lineman Grover Stewart applied pressure and forced a fumble by Darnold. Moore scooped up the ball and sprinted 38 yards for a touchdown to put Indianapolis on top 7-0 with 10:56 to go in the first half.

Vikings left tackle Cam Robinson made his team debut less than a week after he was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

--Field Level Media

Top Game Performances
Rushing
Indianapolis   Minnesota
Jonathan Taylor Player Aaron Jones
13 Attempts 21
48 Yards 64
3.7 Avg Yards 3.0
0 Touchdowns 0
13 Long 13
Receiving
Indianapolis   Minnesota
Josh Downs Player Justin Jefferson
6 Receptions 7
60 Yards 137
10.0 Avg Yards 19.6
0 Touchdowns 0
16 Long 41
Team Stats Summary
 
  Yards Scoring Defense
Team Tot Rus Pas TD FG INT Sck FF
Indianapolis 227 68 159 1 2 2 4.0 1
Minnesota 415 133 282 3 0 1 3.0 0
Upcoming Games
  • Minnesota will play their next game on the road against Jacksonville. The Vikings have a W/L % of .833 after a win and .500 after a loss.
  • Indianapolis will play their next game at home against Buffalo. The Colts have a W/L % of .400 after a win and .500 after a loss.