NFL Week 8: Undefeated Vikings stifle Colts 24-17 to advance to 7-0 behind Darnold and Jefferson

Darnold and Jefferson torch Indianapolis secondary

The Minnesota Vikings proved once again why they are the standard of the NFL in 2026, holding off the Indianapolis Colts 24-17 on Sunday, 1 November, to preserve their unblemished record and move to 7-0. Before a deafening crowd of 67,157 at U.S. Bank Stadium, head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense fired on all cylinders behind the lethal connection of Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson.

Darnold continued his career-best season, completing 23 of 31 attempts for 274 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Both scoring passes were delivered to Jefferson, who produced another highlight-reel clinic. In the second quarter, Jefferson mossed two Indianapolis defenders in the corner of the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown, before capping a 75-yard drive in the third quarter with an ankle-breaking double-move for a 14-yard score. Jefferson finished with nine receptions for 128 yards.

Flores defense closes the door in fourth quarter

While the offense built a 21-10 lead, defensive coordinator Brian Flores unleashed a blitzing whirlwind that rattled Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Minnesota recorded four sacks, forced a red-zone fumble, and intercepted Richardson twice, including a diving pick by safety Camryn Bynum midway through the fourth quarter.

The Colts mounted a late surge, pulling within seven points on a Jonathan Taylor touchdown run with three minutes remaining. However, on fourth-and-four from the Minnesota 38-yard line with 48 seconds left, outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard broke through the protection to pressure Richardson into an errant incompletion, sealing the victory.

The result leaves Minnesota as the only undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0, extending their lead in the fiercely competitive NFC North over the 6-2 Green Bay Packers and 5-2 Detroit Lions.