Darnold throws 3 TD passes in 2nd half as Vikings overcome 3 turnovers to beat Flacco, Colts 21-13

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Sam Darnold bounced back from a tough first half, overcoming four sacks and three turnovers to throw three touchdown passes in the second half, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

Despite a sluggish first half with no scoring, Darnold found his rhythm, finishing 28 of 34 for 290 yards. Justin Jefferson was a standout with 137 receiving yards, and Jordan Addison made a spectacular one-handed catch in the end zone to put Minnesota on the board. Jalen Nailor caught the decisive touchdown reception, helping the Vikings (6-2) snap a two-game losing streak.

For the Colts (4-5), Kenny Moore II scored their only touchdown with a 38-yard fumble return in the second quarter. Joe Flacco, making his return as the starting quarterback after replacing struggling rookie Anthony Richardson, had a challenging game, going 16 for 27 for 179 yards and one interception.

In a critical moment late in the game, Flacco moved the Colts to the Minnesota 40-yard line, trailing 14-10, but Vikings safety Harrison Smith made key defensive plays, breaking up two passes and forcing a turnover on downs. Darnold sealed the game by connecting with Josh Oliver for a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining.

Next week, the Colts will host the Buffalo Bills, while the Vikings will head to Jacksonville.