Welcome back to another exhilarating edition of The Skal Report, where we dive deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between of our beloved Vikings! Now, let’s chat a little bit about what happened in week 8, where the Vikings managed to drop their second game in a row to a team we all thought they could handle—cue the dramatic music!

The offense came out swinging in the first quarter, racking up two touchdowns like they were collecting Pokémon cards. The defense was equally impressive, allowing just one touchdown. But then, as if someone hit the “mute” button and everything went downhill. The offense went completely radio silent in the second quarter, failing to score while the defense let another touchdown slip through their fingers.

In the second half, the only player who could put points on the board was our trusty kicker, Will Reichard. Unfortunately, our offense seemed to have a three-and-out party, leaving the defense gasping for air after spending way too much time on the field. You could practically see the exhaustion on their faces as they allowed the Rams to waltz in for two more touchdowns.

And let’s not forget the referees, who seemed to have left their glasses at home. A particularly questionable call at the end of the game saw a blatant face mask sack on Sam Darnold go unpunished, effectively snuffing out any hopes of a Vikings comeback and gifting the Rams two extra points. Thanks, refs!

So, as we gear up for the next challenge, let’s raise a glass (or a foam finger) to our kicker, to our elite defense, and the hope that our offense can finally find its rhythm in this week 9 showdown against the Rams! Here’s to another week of Vikings football. May it be filled with touchdowns, laughter, and perhaps a few fewer moments that make us scratch our heads in disbelief! 

KEY PLAYERS FROM WEEK 8

Offense

  • SAM DARNOLD – 25 Attempts 18 Completions 240 Yards 0 INTs; 3 Carries 6 Yards
  • JUSTIN JEFFERSON – 9 Targets 8 Receptions 92 Yards
  • WILL REICHARD – 2/2 Extra Points 2/2 FGs

Defense

  • IVAN PACE JR – 7 Tackle 6 Assists
  • HARRISON SMITH – 6 Tackles 2 Assists
  • ANDREW VAN GINKEL – 4 Tackle 3 Assists
  • CAMRYN BYNUM – 3 Tackles 4 Assists
  • STEPHON GILMORE – 4 Tackle 1 Assist
  • BYRON MURPHY JR – 4 Tackles 1 INT
  • JOSH METELLUS – 3 Tackles 4 Assists

VIKINGS vs RAMS WEEK 9

It’s Week 9, and the Minnesota Vikings are ready to unleash their inner Norse gods as they prepare to clash with the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts! The Vikings were 5-0 before the Bye Week in week 6 but sadly they are 0-2 since the break. The Vikes need to get a big win this week at home. They get T.J Hockenson back this week, which im hoping gives Sam some more confidence.

With that being said, let’s get into some injuries on both sides of the ball. Assess the situation if you will. We will also get into some of my best bets for today’s game.

INJURIES/PLAYERS OUT

VIKINGS INJURIES

Photo Credit: (Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages) Blake Cashman

Blake Cashman (Linebacker)
Injury: Toe
Status: OUT

Taki Taimani (Defensive Tackle)
Injury: Ankle
Status: OUT

Akayleb Evans (Cornerback)
Injury: Hip
Status: QUESTIONABLE

Dalton Risner (Guard)
Injury: Back
Status: QUESTIONABLE

The other key players whom were on Minnesota’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available!
Josh Oliver (Tight End) (Wrist), T.J. Hockenson (Tight End) (Knee), Stephon Gilmore (Corner Back) (Rest), Harrison Smith (Safety) (Rest) & Theo Jackson (Safety) (Hand)

LIONS INJURIES

Photo Credit: (Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images) Aiden Hutchinson

Bernhard Raimann (Tackle)
Injury: Concussion
Status: OUT

Kwity Paye (Defensive End)
Injury: Hamstring
Status: QUESTIONABLE

The other key players whom were on Lion’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available.
Braden Smith (Tackle) (Knee), Grover Stewart (Defensive Tackle) (Rest), Michael Pittman (Wide Receiver) (Back), Josh Downs (Wide Receiver) (Toe), Genard Avery (Defensive End) (Foot), Ryan Kelly (Center) (Calf/Knee), Chris Lammons (Corner Back) (Finger), Anthony Richardson (Quarterback) (Left Wrist/Left Shoulder).

GAME DETAILS
Location: US BANK STADIUM, Minneapolis
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Kickoff: 8:20 P.M. ET
Where to Watch: NBC Sports, NFL+, Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube TV

Jets vs Vikings Odds

  • Spread: Colts +5.5 (-110) | Vikings -5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 47 Points Over (-112) | Under (-108)
  • Moneyline: Colts (+195) | Vikings (–238)

Odds courtesy of Draft Kings Sportsbook

My Week 9 Bets and Final Prediction for Colts @ Vikings

  • Vikings get the victory this week at -238 and get out of their losing slump.
  • I’m predicting a Colts 24/ Vikings 30 score for today’s game, which means you should be taking Vikings -5.5 spread at -110.
  • The Total for this game is 47. With my scoring predictions, I believe I’m taking the Over at -112.

FAVORITE PLAYER PROP BETS

  • Will Reichard – Over 1.5 FGs Made (-145)
  • Jonathon Taylor – Anytime TD (-150)
  • Justin Jefferson – Over 84.5 Rec Yards (-120)
  • T.J. Hockenson – Anytime TD (+165)
  • FG PROPS – Both teams make 33+ Yard FGs (+120)
  • Andrew Van Ginkel – Over 3.5 Solo Tackles (+115)

Skol Viking Let’s Win This Game!