Sunday Night Football Week 9

This is a big problem for the Vikings. After losing two games in five days and falling from 0-5 to 2-5, they have had some time to recover and prepare for tonight's opportunity to bounce back and end their losing streak. Standing in their way at US Bank Stadium are the 4-4 Colts, who have played eight one-score games in eight weeks this season.

The outcome of this Sunday Night Football showdown could tell us a lot about Minnesota's season. If they defend their home field and get to 6-2, they'll be in a good position before Tuesday's trade deadline. But if they lose a third game in a row, it will feel like the sky is falling. That would put them two games (and a tiebreaker) behind the red-hot Lions, who improved to 7-1 with a win over the Packers on Sunday.

The Vikings lost a key offensive starter in last week's game against the Rams, but will get another one back in this game. Christian Darrisaw is out for the season with a knee injury and was replaced by Cam Robinson, acquired in a trade with the Jaguars, but TJ Hockenson is finally making his long-awaited season debut just over nine months after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery. This means Sam Darnold will have a full complement of weapons for the first time with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Hockenson and Jordan Addison.

The Colts are led by 39-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco, who steps in for youngster Anthony Richardson, who is sitting on the bench. Flacco will look to find success against the Vikings' defense, just as Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford have done in recent weeks. Indianapolis will also rely on the running game with Jonathan Taylor.

Follow below for live updates throughout the evening!

6:40 – Sam Darnold gives it right back to the Colts with a brutal interception in the end zone. He rolled to his left and threw into double coverage. It was picked by LB Zaire Franklin.

12:24 — This is a good way to start a game. The Colts fumbled a handoff and Harrison Smith recovered for an early takeaway.