Colts vs. Vikings Score, Live Updates: Joe Flacco Takes Over for Indianapolis as Minnesota Seeks to Break Losing Streak
In an unexpected twist, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has stepped in to lead the Indianapolis Colts as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in today’s high-stakes matchup. Both teams have something to prove: the Colts are aiming to bolster their playoff chances, while the Vikings are fighting to end a two-game losing streak and keep their season on track.
First Quarter: A Slow Start
The first quarter saw a steady, cautious start from both teams. Flacco, filling in under center, quickly found his rhythm, executing precise short throws and taking calculated risks. However, Minnesota's defense came prepared, countering with aggressive pass coverage and containing the Colts’ run game early. The Vikings managed to strike first with a 35-yard field goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter: Flacco Shows Experience, Minnesota Strikes Back
As the second quarter began, Flacco’s veteran experience became evident. A well-timed 20-yard pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. advanced the Colts down the field, setting up a rushing touchdown by Jonathan Taylor, putting Indianapolis ahead 7-3. Minnesota responded immediately with a strong drive led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, whose connection with wide receiver Justin Jefferson was in top form. Jefferson’s acrobatic 25-yard touchdown catch gave the Vikings a 10-7 lead.
Halftime: Vikings Lead in a Tight Contest
With the Vikings up 10-7 at halftime, the game remained anyone's to win. Cousins and Flacco both displayed resilience, though both teams struggled to generate big plays against each other’s defenses. At halftime, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell noted, "We need to capitalize on our momentum and keep the pressure on them in the second half."
Third Quarter: Colts Take the Lead
Flacco continued to push Indianapolis forward after halftime, guiding the Colts to a quick score in the third quarter. A pair of short completions to Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce helped set up a red-zone touchdown for the Colts, giving them a 14-10 lead. The Vikings, however, continued to lean on Jefferson and running back Alexander Mattison, moving back within striking range and ultimately retaking the lead with another touchdown to end the quarter at 17-14.
Fourth Quarter: High Tension and Final Drives
The fourth quarter turned into a nail-biter as both teams battled for control. Flacco’s poise and quick decision-making allowed the Colts to tie the game with a field goal midway through the quarter, bringing the score to 17-17. With only a few minutes left on the clock, Cousins and the Vikings offense launched a final drive, looking to clinch the victory. A series of short gains brought them into field-goal range, where kicker Greg Joseph’s 45-yard kick sealed the win for the Vikings, ending the game 20-17.
Final Thoughts
With this victory, the Vikings snapped their two-game losing streak, much to the relief of their fans. Cousins’ leadership and Jefferson’s game-changing plays were crucial to Minnesota's success, while Flacco’s solid performance as the Colts’ fill-in quarterback kept Indianapolis competitive until the final whistle.
For Minnesota, the win brings renewed hope as they look to secure a playoff berth. For the Colts, the narrow loss signals they’ll need to rally hard in the coming weeks to keep their postseason hopes alive.