The Minnesota Vikings (7-6) will be hosting the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium and both teams need a win to secure their wild card playoff spot. Even if the Vikings lose to the Colts, they can’t be eliminated from the playoffs, but they would face even longer odds to get in if they lose. Minnesota will close the season with divisional games, Green Bay Packers on Christmas Eve and Chicago Bears on New Year’s Day. It would be in the Vikings favor to win this Sunday.
And the Vikings chances of winning this Sunday may have greatly increased with the return of star running back Adrian Peterson. As you know, Peterson has been out since week two with a torn meniscus and was not scheduled to come back until next week. But in true AD fashion, he has come back a week early to help his team push forward towards the playoffs.
With his return the weak run game may get the boost it desperately needs. While the Vikings won last week in Jacksonville, they were stopped at the goal line twice and had zero points when they were at the one yard line, twice. Peterson’s return will help the run game, even if some have their doubts. The AD of yesterday could emerge- the unstoppable, fast, tackle breaking man we all cheered wildly for or it could be the one we have seen lately. But either way he serves a huge purpose for the ailing Vikings offense. Even if he isn’t as fast as he has been he is a great distraction that will open a lot of options for Minnesota. Team’s know to watch for Peterson and to put as much man power on him as possible. That open’s all the wide receivers the Vikings have. This is a win-win for Minnesota all around, and this couldn’t come a more perfect time.
While Peterson’s return is wonderful for the offense, the defense might be a little slowed down. Safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Trae Waynes will both be out this Sunday. That is going to hurt against the Colts who have the eighth best rusher in NFL history in Frank Gore and the speed and skill of Donte Moncrief and T.Y. Hilton. Minnesota’s defense is going to have to work on stopping all three of them from the snap to stay ahead.
This is big game all around for both teams. With a wild card spot within reach and Peterson and Gore on the bill, this game just got a little more interesting.
Watching the game? Here’s what you need to know?
TIME: 12:00 CST CHANNEL: CBS (Local Channel 4) RADIO: 100.3 KFAN FM/ 1130 KTLK AM
Sarita Kelly
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