This is a big challenge for the Vikings. After losing two games in five days and going from 5-0 to 5-2, they have had some time to recover and prepare for tonight’s opportunity to come back and snap their losing streak. Standing in the way at US Bank Stadium are the 4-4 Colts, who have played eight one-goal games in eight weeks this season.

The outcome of this Sunday Night Football game can tell us a lot about the season in Minnesota. If they can defend their home court and get to 6-2, they’ll be in a good spot ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. But if they lose a third game in a row, it will feel like the sky is falling. That would put them two games (and a tiebreaker) behind the red-hot Lions, who improved to 7-1 with a win over the Packers earlier on Sunday.

The Vikings lost one key offensive starter in last week’s game against the Rams, but will get another one back in this game. Christian Darrisaw is out for the season due to a knee injury and has been replaced by Cam Robinson, who was acquired in a trade with the Jaguars, but TJ Hockenson is finally making his long-awaited season debut just over nine months after ACL repair surgery. That means Sam Darnold will have a full complement of weapons for the first time with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Hockenson and Jordan Addison.

The Colts will be led by 39-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco, who takes the place of youngster Anthony Richardson. Flacco will look to find success against the Vikings defense in the same way Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford did in recent weeks. Indianapolis will also lean on the running game with Jonathan Taylor.

Follow below for live updates throughout the evening!

6:40 — Sam Darnold gives it back to the Colts with a cheeky interception in the end zone. He rolled to his left and threw into double coverage. It was picked by LB Zaire Franklin.

12:24 — That’s a good way to start a game. The Colts fumbled a botched handoff and Harrison Smith recovered for an early takeaway.