Vikings Travel To Indianapolis As 3 Point Underdogs Friday Night

NFL News - August 14th, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

The Minnesota Vikings won 10 games in 2008, and finished the season as the NFC North division champions. The Indianapolis Colts won 12 games last year, and the Colts have not won less than 12 games since 2004. This game sets up as an exciting match up for the first preseason game of the year for both teams. The Minnesota Vikings well see Adrian Peterson on the field for a short period of time, and the Colts get to display Peyton Manning's ability to pass the ball down field. These two players, are two of the most dominant football players at their position.

The Colts are at home, and online sportsbook providers such as BetED have released game lines on this preseason match up. The Colts are a -3 point favorite to win the game, and for good reason, these two teams played each other on September 14, 2008, and the Colts won the game with a final score of 18-15. Colts fans are anxious to see Joseph Addai perform while at 100% health, last year Joseph Addai was hurt yet again. Addai finished the season with only 154 carries, 544 yards and 5 total touchdowns in 2008, way less productive than Colts execs had anticipated when they drafted him. This is also the first season Peyton Manning will not have Marvin Harrison lined up at wide receiver opposite of Reggie Wayne. First round draft pick from a few years ago Anthony Gonzalez will have to perform well this season to fill Harrison's shoes, Gonzalez is not scheduled to play on Friday do to a Hamstring injury.

Minnesota Vikings fans and head coach Brad Childress, are still wondering who the starting quarterback will be for the 2009 Minnesota Viking football team. This preseason game tonight will be a good indicator of who the starting job is leaning towards. The Vikings need all four of these preseason games to prepare for the 2009 NFL regular season, but none more important than this first meeting with the Colts. The Vikings are a +3 underdog in this game, but they will get a chance to prove to the AFC how good of a team they are tonight. Vikings fans should keep an eye on first round draft pick, 22nd pick overall in the 2009 NFL draft, Percy Harvin. Harvin was the explosive big play athlete for the Florida Gators the last three years, and with Harvin and Peterson on the field at the same time, defenses will have to stay ready.

The Over and Under game line in this match up is set at 36 points. Since both of these teams will only play their starters for a one or two full series, the total points scored between both teams wont be as high as expected. This is a good chance for both of these teams to work on their defensive problems. The Vikings run 70% of the time, and the Colts had trouble stopping the run in 2008. the Colts throw as often as possible, and the Vikings had trouble with the deep ball threat last season. all in all this should be an exciting game to watch for all Avid NFL fans.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/indianapolis-colts/686-colts-home-against.html#post1073