INDIANAPOLIS – Two teams still clinging to playoff hopes will meet in a cross-conference matchup in Week 15.
The Colts and Vikings enter Week 15 coming off results that leave each team at opposite ends of the spectrum.
For just the second time in their last eight games, the Vikings got a win on Sunday and now remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.
The loss for the Colts on Sunday severely diminished their playoff chances.
No team in the NFL has faced more adversity with injuries this season than the Vikings.
Despite significant injuries to their starting quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater), running back (Adrian Peterson) and left tackle (Matt Kalil), Minnesota got off to the best start in the NFL.
Relying on one of the league's best defenses, the Vikings won their first five going into the bye week.
Things have unraveled since for Mike Zimmer's team.
Sam Bradford is still protecting the ball very well, but Minnesota is 31st in total offense and 32nd in rushing offense.
A plus 12 turnover ratio (2nd in the NFL) is a major reason why the Vikings are still in the playoff picture.
Minnesota's defense ranks 1st in points allowed this season and 4th in sacks.
Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith did not play in last week's win over the Jaguars. Smith is a major component for what the Vikings do at the back end of their defense.
The Colts will play inside of new U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. U.S. Bank will host the Super Bowl next season.2016 Record: *7-6, tied for 2nd in the NFC North.Head Coach: Mike Zimmer, 3rd season as Vikings head coach and 3rd season as NFL head coach (25-20 overall in the regular season, 0-1 in the postseason).2016 NFL Rankings: Offense – Overall, 31st (303.0); Rushing, 32nd (73.4); Passing, 24th (229.6). Defense – Overall, 3rd (304.3); Rushing, 16th (102.1); Passing, 3rd (202.2).2016 Leading Passer:* Sam Bradford (304-of-427 comp., 2,954 yards, 71.2 pct., 14 TDs, 3 INTs, 98.3 rating).2016 Leading Rusher: *Jerick McKinnon (129 carries, 388 yards, 1 TD).2016 Leading Receiver: Stefon Diggs (78 receptions, 861 yards, 2 TDs).2016 Leading Sacker:* Danielle Hunter (10.0).2016 Turnover Breakdown: Plus 12 (2nd in the NFL).2016 NFL Draft Results: Looking for playmakers for Teddy Bridgewater, the Vikings took receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round. It's been a very slow start to Treadwell's NFL career. The Ole Miss product has just 1 catch this season in nine games. In the second round, the Vikings selected Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who has played in only 63 snaps this season. The Vikings have not received much of a contribution from their 2016 draft class.2015 Review:The continued growth under head coach Mike Zimmer led to the Vikings winning the NFC North in 2015. Minnesota got out to a 7-2 start last season, before losing three of their next four. Three consecutive wins to close out 2015 gave the Vikings their first playoff berth since 2012. Minnesota's run ended in the Wild Card round when kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining. Last time in Playoffs: 2015 season. Lost in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs, 10-9, to the Seattle Seahawks.Last time in Super Bowl: *1977 season. Lost in Super Bowl XI, 32-14, to the Oakland Raiders.Super Bowl Championships: None.2016 Pro Bowl Selections:* RB-Adrian Peterson, DE-Everson Griffen, S-Harrison Smith, QB-Teddy Bridgewater, LB-Anthony Barr.
