Colts vs. Vikings: NFL preseason betting odds, preview, and pick

The Indianapolis Colts look to secure a second straight win in preseason action when they visit the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday. 

The Week 2 exhibition matchup will mark the second at home for the Vikings, who were routed 33-6 by the Denver Broncos last weekend.

Vikes embarrass Coach Zimmer in Week 1

As evidenced by his 20-6 all-time record in preseason play, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer does not take losing lightly.

Zimmer called his team's effort in Week 1 "a very poor performance", even though the coach held out 33 players, most of whom were starters. Denver, meanwhile, played some of its first-string offense. 

Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, who are embroiled in a quarterback battle, combined for 225 passing yards and three touchdowns against Minnesota's reserve defense.

Rookie first-round draft pick Patrick Surtain II also made a splash in his NFL debut, as the cornerback returned an interception off Vikings QB Jake Browning for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Rookie quarterback Kellen Mond, who missed part of training camp because of COVID-19, replaced Browning after that possession and went 6-of-16 passing for 53 yards, plus he ran for 25 yards on the ground.

Mond, who could replace Kirk Cousins in a season or two, left much to be desired, but should get plenty more preseason snaps to adjust to pro-level competition.

Following Minnesota's loss, Zimmer stated, "I think I'm going to [intrasquad] scrimmage [next week] with these guys that played today... They need it, and it showed."

The bright note for Minnesota was undrafted rookie running back A.J. Rose, who led the team in both rushing (100 yards on 25 carries) and receiving (18 yards on one reception).

Eason, Ehlinger battle for second-string QB spot

In Week 2, Minnesota will again face a team in the midst of a QB battle, though Indianapolis' situation is a bit different than Denver's.

Offseason acquisition Carson Wentz may be fully recovered from foot surgery to compete in Week 1, but in case of a setback, the Colts need to decide upon a suitable starter for their season opener.

In last Saturday's preseason matchup against Carolina, Jacob Eason got the start and played the whole first half, before 2021 sixth-round draft pick Sam Ehlinger stepped in and led the Colts to a 21-18 come-from-behind win.

Eason completed 15 of 21 passes for 183 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and lost a fumble in the first quarter.

Ehlinger kicked off his first possession with an interception, but found a rhythm as the game progressed.

The Texas product finished with 155 yards on 10-of-15 passing and ran for another 30 yards on eight carries.

He also ran the ball in for a two-point conversion to tie the game with under eight minutes in the fourth quarter and scrambled for nine and 11 yards to set up the winning field goal with seven seconds remaining.

Ehlinger will start against Minnesota, while Eason will take over in the second half of the contest. Head coach Frank Reich also indicated that some starters may play on Saturday.

Colts and Vikings Trends

• The Colts are 5-4-1 against the spread in their last 10 games in the preseason
• The Vikings are 4-2 ATS in their last six preseason games
• The Over has hit in 10 of Indianapolis' last 14 games
• Indianapolis is 1-0 ATS in the 2021 preseason
• Minnesota is 0-1 ATS in the 2021 preseason

Vikings will come out firing at home

With Eason and Ehlinger eager to prove they're worthy of a potential starting spot in Week 1 of the regular season, both will come out ready to rack up yards and points.

Likewise, Zimmer will light a fire under his team after its poor showing in Denver and push his group to pull out a win at home. 

The total went Over in both Indianapolis and Minnesota's Week 1 games and will do so again, with the stakes raised on both sides.

Look for Zimmer to recoup his glowing preseason record in a hard-fought and high-scoring battle.

Score prediction: Vikings 24, Colts 17

NFL preseason pick: Over 37.5 (-103)