MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings rose to the top of the NFL with a five-game winning streak to start the season, fueled by a disruptive and relentless defense that suddenly became vulnerable by losing twice in a five-day span.

Has the rest of the league cracked the code? Or were the Vikings simply outplayed in succession by two elite quarterbacks and the plethora of receiving, blocking and executing talent around them? The Indianapolis Colts have the difficult task of traveling to Minnesota to find out.

“Our fans really show up and do their part for sure. We have to feed off that, feed off each other and take advantage of that as an advantage,” Vikings safety Harrison Smith said, looking ahead to Sunday night’s showdown that will most likely have the US Bank Stadium crowd in shock. its maximum expression. .

The pre-snap disguises employed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores in his pressure-driven scheme have made many opponents nervous, particularly when the Vikings have the lead and are playing at home. Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions were undeterred in a 31-29 comeback victory at Minnesota on October 20. Neither did Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams last week in their 30-20 victory. After returning home from the West Coast and having additional time to rest, the Vikings (5-2) are eager to get their defense back on track.

They will face another veteran quarterback in Joe Flacco, who replaced Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, as the starter.

“He’s seen every type of disguise in the world, every defense, every pressure, every blitz, so he knows we really have to be perfect in all of our assignments,” safety Cam Bynum said.

The Colts (4-4) have had all eight of their games decided by six points or less.

“When I get ready to start football games, that’s where I feel most comfortable,” Flacco said. “This is where I feel at home.”

Hockenson makes his debut

Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson rejoined the active roster, replacing injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Hockenson spent the first eight weeks on the physically unable to perform list as he completed his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that occurred in the team’s Week 16 game last season. The passing attack could use the boost.

“It’s the production he brings and the mismatch he can create against safeties and linebackers,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “His ability to win versus match or man coverage, all of those things are pretty unique for a tight end that also gives you value in the run game like he does.”

Hockenson said he felt ready to play at full speed two months ago at the end of training camp, but he praised the team’s medical staff for not only keeping him on track but also making it clear why each step of the rehab program made sense.

“You really have to be patient with something like this,” Hockenson said. “I’ve felt good for months, but to go out and play, there is data that says nine months is the key.”

familiar faces

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will have a couple of old friends to look up after the game. Vikings quarterback’s former Southern California teammate Sam Darnold also reached out to Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who played for the Colts in 2022. Pittman gave Defensive Player of the Year credit 2019 AP NFL Player for teaching him how to deal with strong, smart players in the secondary, as the two faced each other frequently in practice that season.

Changes coming from Cooter?

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has been tasked with modifying the game plan to account for the difference in styles, experience and skills between the 39-year-old Flacco’s pure passer and the dynamism of double threat from the 22-year-old player. Richardson, one year old.

“There are different strengths and weaknesses in every player,” Cooter said. “Obviously, Anthony moves, makes plays with his legs a little more often, and that’s the most obvious one. I’ll keep the rest. I’ll let Flores and the Minnesota gang think about that.”

Slow start for Addison

The Vikings are eager for a bigger impact from wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season but hasn’t had more than three receptions in any game this year. Addison, who missed two games last month with an ankle injury, had just two receptions for 22 yards against the Rams last week. He has scored one goal this season.

“I’m doing everything I can. I’m learning, watching the film and trying to improve. I hope to have a good game this week,” Addison said. “Keep getting open. That’s my job as a receiver, so that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”