The Indianapolis Colts will play their first prime-time game of the season Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings –a game that has major playoff implications.

Being in the NFC, Minnesota is a rather unusual opponent for the Colts. The last time these two teams met was in December of the 2022 season, when the Vikings won – you know what, we won’t talk about it. Let’s focus instead on the upcoming game.

To help us preview this game, Vikings Wire Managing Editor Andrew Harbaugh answered a few questions to provide some insight into this 2024 Minnesota Vikings team.

What are some of the key elements that have led to Sam Darnold’s resurgence in Minnesota?

Harbaugh: Play scripts played a big role for Darnold early in games, allowing him to get into a rhythm and build his confidence. It also helped to have players like Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones and now TJ Hockenson around him. But the simplest thing, and perhaps the funniest, in my opinion, is that Kevin O’Connell removed his critical thinking for him.

Overall, at 5-2, what has gone right for the Vikings this season? Where do they excel?

Harbaugh: The parts of the game where the Vikings have thrived are in rushing the passer, taking what the defense gave them offensively and creating pressure to help the defensive backs. Now, in the last two games, they have struggled to get pass help and good coverage from their corners. Brian Flores could be on his way to a head coaching job this offseason for how well the defense has played.

On the other hand, where have opponents had any success against this team?

Harbaugh: Over the last week, the Vikings have really struggled to protect against the run and it has killed them. Blake Cashman has missed the last two games, which can’t be a coincidence, and neither can the fact that the last two games they lost were in his absence. Stopping the run has become their biggest problem, and it’s one that has begun to doom them.

Who is one under the radar on offense and one on defense?

Harbaugh: On offense it has to be Jalen Nailor, he took the next step in his development and became a safety valve for the entire offense. He blocks well on every play, plays the whistle and is there to make critical catches for Sam Darnold when he needs to.

On defense, Andrew Van Ginkel flew under the radar and had a very good season. He should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation with the touchdowns he has (2) and the sacks and pressures he’s created.

What does the Vikings’ road to victory look like?

Harbaugh: For the Vikings to find a way to victory, they must get to Joe Flacco, hold the Colts to less than 100 yards rushing as a team and force turnovers. They literally need those three things to happen or they see no path to victory for them. The whole season has taken a turn and it’s hard for me to see them turning around until I see them do it.