Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes in the second half and the Minnesota Vikings held on for a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night in Minneapolis.
Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Josh Oliver had one touchdown reception each for Minnesota (6-2), which snapped a two-game skid. Darnold completed 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, and Justin Jefferson finished with seven catches for 137 yards.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II scored the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5) on a fumble recovery. Joe Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.
The Vikings defeated the Colts 415-227.
After being held scoreless in the first half, Minnesota pulled even at 7-7 to open the third quarter. Darnold rolled right and passed to Addison, who made a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.
Minnesota scored again to take a 14-7 advantage with 2:49 left in the third quarter. Darnold connected with Nailor for a 7-yard touchdown to complete a nine-play, 80-yard drive.
Indianapolis cut its deficit to 14-10 with 12:41 to go in the fourth quarter. Matt Gay kicked a 42-yard field goal just inside the left-right corner.
The Vikings took a two-point lead with 2:05 left in the fourth quarter. Darnold kept the ball on a play-action fake and found Oliver near the left front pylon for a 14-yard touchdown.
Gay made a 54-yarder to bring the Colts within 21-13 with 28 seconds left.
Jefferson recovered the Colts’ final kick to secure the victory for Minnesota.
The Colts defense gave up the only points in the first half.
Defensive lineman Grover Stewart applied pressure and forced Darnold into a fumble. Moore scooped up the ball and ran 38 yards for a touchdown to put Indianapolis up 7-0 with 10:56 left in the first half.
Cam Robinson made his team debut less than a week after being acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
–Field Level Media
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