Shane Steichen's Indianapolis Colts take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 9 of the NFL season. This primetime encounter should be a doozy as Joe Flacco will start for the 4-4 Colts against Sam Darnold and the 5-2 Vikings. 

Check out the Colts vs Vikings odds and my best bets, below. 

Colts vs Vikings Odds Week 9

Colts vs Vikings Week 9 Picks

Colts +5.5 

The Colts are 4-4 SU but a sparkling 7-1 ATS so far this season. Anthony Richardson pulled himself out of the game, and will now watch this contest from the sideline. Steichen has said he feels Joe Flacco "gives the team the best chance to win now", we'll soon find out if he's correct.

After beginning the season on a five-game winning streak, the Vikings have lost two in a row to the powerhouse Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately for Minnesota, left tackle Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL in the Rams contest, and the Vikings offense isn't the same without him. The Vikings picked up Cam Robinson in a trade with the Jaguars this week, but he's nowhere near the same player. Darnold and the offense managed just 276 total yards, gave up three sacks and failed to have the same impact they had earlier on this season. 

At the end of the day, the Vikings are reeling. Guard Dalton Risner is also on injured reserve and starting linebacker Blake Cashman is questionable for this contest. 

As hard as it is to believe, the Colts have been extremely competitive this season. In fact, every Colts game has been decided by one score. Moreover, Indianapolis' four losses have come by a total of 14 points. Back the Colts as 5.5-point underdogs vs the Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Joe Flacco still has some of that "elite" elixir flowing through his veins. 

Colts vs Vikings Week 9 Props

Josh Downs O64.5 Receiving Yards -113

Expect to see a whole lot of Josh Downs moving forward. The sophomore has been sensational with Joe Flacco under center, leading the team with a 26.5% target share and nine catchable targets per game. 

The Vikings defense has been phenomenal this season, but they are susceptible to the deep passing game. I like Downs to get loose on Sunday Night Football.  

Check out all our NFL Week 9 prop bets. 

Colts vs Vikings Week 9 Betting Trends