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The Colts are coming off a loss to a team many thought was Tanking for Trevor, but the result was deceiving. Indy outgained the Jags by almost 200 yards, but Philip Rivers' two INTs were the difference. I trust Frank Reich to get things turned around against a young Vikings defense that got torched by the Packers. Lay the points.
Philip Rivers threw for 363 yards and had two picks in the loss to the Jaguars. The outcome looked like the same type of Chargers loss from the last couple of years with Rivers' forced errors leading to the defeat. Kirk Cousins looked unspectacular last week and usually does well only against losing teams. Here you go, Kirk; meet the 0-1 Colts. Vikings to cover.
I was low on the Vikings coming into the season, and my concerns about their defense came to pass in the loss to the Packers. It's notable that even though the Colts were upset in Week 1 as massive favorites, the line is this matchup actually moved a half-point toward Indy from the lookahead. That's how bad Minnesota played last week, and I see the Colts as having the much more complete roster top-to-bottom between these teams. I know it's typically "In Zimmer We Trust," but there are too many issues on both sides of the ball to expect them to compete with good teams, and there's still a solid chance the Colts are a good team.
NFL spreads sitting right on 3 should be outlawed. The Vikings could easily win this outright -- they are 0-11 all-time at the Colts (Maryland and Indiana) -- but shouldn't do worse than lose by 3 and thus at worst a push. The Colts are down Marlon Mack and likely top tight end Jack Doyle. That Indy defense allowed Gardner Minshew to complete 95 percent of his passes in Week 1. Minnesota's Kirk Cousins is arguably the most accurate QB in the NFL and could have a field day. The Vikes are 15-4 in their past 19 after a loss.
Philip Rivers is a statue and he continues to turn the ball over. The Colts' defense just allowed Gardner Minshew to complete 19 of 20 passes. Minnesota should be favored in this game. The Vikings will run the ball better this week and get to 1-1.