Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats: Full Breakdown of Plays, Performances, and Key Moments
introduction
The Colts vs Minnesota Vikings matchup wasn’t just a regular-season game—it was an unforgettable battle filled with twists, turns, and incredible moments. While the score had fans cheering or sighing, the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats tell a deeper story. Stats help us see who really carried their teams, who changed the game, and what moments meant the most.
Player stats break down the action. They show us who threw well, who made clutch catches, which defense made crucial stops, and more. Whether you watched the entire game or are reading this to catch up, this article has everything you need to understand how things unfolded.
Let’s begin with a look at the quarterbacks who controlled the offense and set the tone early.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Focus on Quarterback Performances
Quarterbacks lead the way in every game. In the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats, we saw two very different performances.
Matt Ryan had a strong first half, throwing for 182 yards and one touchdown. He completed short passes to move the chains but struggled in the second half under pressure.
Kirk Cousins started slow but finished the game on fire. He threw for over 400 yards, added four touchdowns, and completed 66% of his passes. Despite two interceptions, he led one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
These quarterback stats clearly show that Ryan started better, but Cousins finished stronger, delivering when it counted most.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Analyze Rushing Production
In the ground game, the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats show important contributions on both sides.
The Colts missed Jonathan Taylor, but Zack Moss did well in relief. He rushed for over 80 yards, broke tackles, and helped control time of possession. Deon Jackson added a short touchdown and showed burst during limited carries.
Dalvin Cook was key for Minnesota with 95 rushing yards and one catch that turned into a game-changing 64-yard touchdown. His ability to both run and catch made a huge difference in the Vikings’ second-half success.
Running stats show the Colts had more rushes, but the Vikings got more game-changing plays from their top back.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Feature Receiving Standouts
Receivers were the stars in the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats. Big-yardage plays and smart routes kept both teams in the fight.
The Colts featured Michael Pittman Jr., who caught 10 passes for over 60 yards. Parris Campbell and Alec Pierce added solid gains to keep defenses honest.
On the Vikings side, Justin Jefferson exploded for 123 yards and a touchdown. K.J. Osborn also had a breakout game, catching over 150 yards worth of passes and adding a touchdown of his own.
In terms of total yardage and big plays, the Vikings receiving core stood on top when the game was on the line.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Review Tight End Efficiency
Tight ends played important roles in both blocking and mid-field passes. The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats show their subtle but steady impact.
Jelani Woods led Colts tight ends with three catches for 35 yards. He proved valuable on third downs and helped extend drives with short-yardage grabs.
For Minnesota, T.J. Hockenson had a solid performance with six receptions and over 70 yards. His crisp routes and smart placement moved the sticks during the Vikings’ historic comeback.
Tight ends didn’t score in this game, but their stats highlight how they helped keep the offenses moving.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Highlight Red Zone Efficiency
Red zone trips can decide games. The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats show exactly how each team performed when inside the 20.
The Colts were good early, scoring on two of their four red zone trips. They added field goals but struggled to find the end zone after halftime.
The Vikings turned nearly all their chances into points. They had five red zone drives, resulting in four touchdowns—including a short strike to Hockenson and a rushing touchdown for the win.
In a game decided by only three points, red zone execution made the difference. The stats reflect that clearly.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Examine Turnovers and Mistakes
Turnovers change everything. The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats highlight each team’s biggest mistakes—and how costly they were.
Matt Ryan played clean in terms of interceptions but his team fumbled twice, including once on special teams. These fumbles gave the Vikings great field position and new energy when they were trailing.
Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions, one early and one late. But his team kept pushing, and the defense helped make sure those turnovers didn’t turn into big trouble.
Total turnovers were even, but the Colts’ mistakes came at worse times and allowed the Vikings to complete their comeback.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Spotlight Defensive Playmakers
Great defense can flip a game in a single play. The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats show just how much work both units did.
Zaire Franklin stood out for the Colts with 12 tackles. DeForest Buckner contributed with two sacks and one forced fumble. Their first-half dominance helped build a lead.
For the Vikings, Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks combined for 18 tackles. Harrison Smith added an interception, and the defense shut down the Colts in the fourth quarter.
The stats show the Colts dominated the first half on defense, but the Vikings owned the second.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Cover Special Teams Impact
Special teams often decide close games. In the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats, we saw just how important those units were.
Colts kicker Chase McLaughlin was perfect, hitting three field goals, including a 52-yarder. Their punter pinned the Vikings inside the 10-yard line twice, giving the defense an edge.
The Vikings’ Greg Joseph nailed the game-winning kick under pressure. Jalen Reagor added solid kickoff returns that helped the Vikings start with good field position throughout the second half.
Game-winning kicks and good punts may not fill highlight reels, but they fill stat sheets and win games.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Reflect Coaching Decisions
Coaches don’t play, but their strategies show up in the stats. The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats offer clues about who adjusted better and who didn’t.
Interim coach Jeff Saturday aimed for conservative play as the Colts built a lead, but it backfired. His second-half strategy didn’t shift when momentum did, and his team couldn’t hold on.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell kept attacking even while trailing by 30. His decisions to skip field goals, go for first downs, and keep throwing helped spark the biggest comeback in NFL history.
The final result—and every stat—shows just how powerful coaching mindset can be.
Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Offer a Full Team Comparison
Let’s break down the team totals from the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats so you can see how close this contest really was.
Total Yards
Colts: 340
Vikings: 460
Passing Yards
Colts: 182
Vikings: 417
Rushing Yards
Colts: 158
Vikings: 112
Red Zone Efficiency
Colts: 2 touchdowns in 4 trips
Vikings: 4 touchdowns in 5 trips
Third Down Conversions
Colts: 6 of 14
Vikings: 7 of 13
Turnovers
Colts: 2
Vikings: 2
Time of Possession
Colts: 31 minutes
Vikings: 29 minutes
These team stats show that while both squads had strong moments, Minnesota’s deep passing and red zone success turned the tide.
FAQs
Who threw for more yards—Cousins or Ryan?
Kirk Cousins threw for more than 400 yards. Matt Ryan had 182 yards.
Which running back had the most yards?
Dalvin Cook led all backs with 95 rushing yards and added a 64-yard receiving touchdown.
Who had the most receptions?
Justin Jefferson caught 12 passes for over 120 yards.
Did either team win the turnover battle?
Turnovers were even at two each, but the Colts’ mistakes were more costly.
How did special teams affect the game?
Greg Joseph’s winning kick gave Minnesota the edge. The Colts made field goals but couldn’t seal the win.
Was this the biggest comeback in NFL history?
Yes, the Vikings overcame a 33-point deficit, the largest in NFL history.
Final Thoughts
The colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats tell the story of one of the wildest games ever played. It was a tale of two halves—domination by the Colts early, and an explosive comeback by the Vikings late.
Stats reveal everything: huge passing numbers by Cousins, dominance by Justin Jefferson, strong running from Dalvin Cook, and key mistakes by the Colts at the worst time. From coaching to turnovers to red zone plays, the data backs up what fans saw play out on the field.
Whether you cheer for Indy or Minnesota, there’s no denying it was one unforgettable game. And thanks to the colts vs minnesota vikings match player stats, we know how every moment happened—and why the Vikings walked away with the win.
