MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold overcame four sacks and three turnovers by throwing three second-half touchdown passes, and the Minnesota defense made Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco’s return to the starting role a rough one as the Vikings beat the Colts 21-13 on Sunday night.
Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, Jordan Addison made a one-handed diving grab in the back corner of the end zone to get Minnesota on the board after a sloppy and scoreless first half, and Jalen Nailor had the tiebreaking touchdown reception to help the Vikings (6-2) stop a two-game skid.
Kenny Moore II had a 38-yard fumble return in the second quarter, the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5) in their first game all season that wasn’t decided by six points or fewer.
Flacco replaced Anthony Richardson, with the 2023 fourth overall NFL draft pick struggling badly and becoming the self-created subject of a week of hot takes after taking himself out for a play last week because he was tired.
The AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winner with Cleveland last season after he came off his couch past midseason to help the Browns make the playoffs, Flacco went 16 for 27 for 179 yards and one interception.
He moved the Colts to the Minnesota 40 midway through the fourth quarter facing a 14-10 deficit, but Harrison Smith, who recovered an opening-drive fumble by Jonathan Taylor, broke up consecutive passes to force a turnover on downs.
Darnold, who finished 28 for 34 for 290 yards, hit Josh Oliver for the game-sealing score with 2:05 left.
