Every NFL fan knows what's coming once the afternoon games conclude and Carrie Underwood starts singing. It is time for Sunday Night Football. Week 9 provides an intriguing matchup. The Indianapolis Colts (4-4) battle the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Here's a look at three-player prop bets that stick out from the rest in this showdown of playoff hopefuls.
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Best Week 9 Sunday Night Football Player Prop Bets: Colts vs. Vikings
(Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Joe Flacco OVER 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (+115)
The Colts are turning to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on Sunday amid Anthony Richardson’s struggles. The 39-year-old has impressed as a starter over the past two campaigns, posting a 5-2 record while averaging 309.1 passing yards across seven contests. Take note that he has tallied two passing touchdowns in all seven of those starts and has even reached the three-touchdown mark four times. Familiarity with different schemes and adept pocket awareness continue to work in his favor on the field.
Trusting Flacco is the way to go on primetime. The Vikings are one of six NFL teams that has allowed at least 14 touchdowns on the season and check in last in opponent completions per game (26.6). Focusing on getting the ball out quickly against a blitz-heavy defense should help Flacco put together a few trips to the red zone. He can rely on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.’s jump ball expertise or running back Jonathan Taylor’s receiving prowess from there. Lock in this prop while it’s still listed at plus odds.
Josh Downs OVER 62.5 Receiving Yards (-120)
Wide receiver Josh Downs’ role in the Indianapolis offense jumps to another level when Flacco takes the snaps. For instance, Downs recorded eight receptions for 82 yards when Flacco stepped in for an injured Richardson in Week 4. The second-year pro then followed that performance with 69 yards on nine catches in Week 5 and 66 yards on seven snags in Week 6. His chemistry with the experienced quarterback is clearly free and easy. Expect that success to carry on versus a shaky Minnesota secondary.
The Vikings have conceded the third-most yards (1,434) on the second-most receptions (118) to the WR position. A total of ten opposing wide receivers have surpassed 60 receiving yards over seven contests facing head coach Kevin McConnell’s squad. It’s worth noting that Minnesota has held a double-digit lead in every one of its home games so far. Playing from behind would benefit Downs as the Colts attempt to keep up through the air. This wager has a chance to cash during the first few drives alone.
Justin Jefferson Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-130)
Something about suiting up in front of rowdy Vikings fans drives wide receiver Justin Jefferson to excel. The All-Pro talent has averaged a ridiculous 102 yards per game and has scored 24 of his 35 career touchdowns (68.6%) at home. This year, each of the three NFL duels at U.S. Bank Stadium has featured Jefferson finding the end zone. The upside of this pick grows, considering he has also logged 617 yards and four touchdowns in six clashes with an AFC South foe. Those are dominant numbers.
Indianapolis has surrendered touchdowns to Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks, Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., Tennessee’s Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Houston’s Tank Dell across four away contests. Dealing with Jefferson’s elite route-running skills and impeccable hands inside the 20-yard line will be a problem for the Colts. Bettors searching for a long-shot option could throw a sprinkle on Jefferson to score the first touchdown at +500 odds. It’s a feat he has already accomplished twice in 2024.
