MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are atop the NFL with a five-game winning streak to start the season; this streak was fueled by a devastating and relentless defense that suddenly became vulnerable as they suffered two defeats in a five-day period.

Has the rest of the league cracked the code? Or have the Vikings been repeatedly outplayed by two elite quarterbacks and the wealth of receiving, blocking and running talent around them? The Indianapolis Colts have the tough task of traveling to Minnesota to find out.

“Our fans are really showing up and definitely doing their part. We have to feed off of that, feed off of each other and take advantage of that being an advantage,” said Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who is looking forward to the Sunday night game, where the crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium will likely be the loudest.

The prepared disguises that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used in his pressure-based scheme surprised many opponents, especially when the Vikings were ahead and playing at home. Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions didn’t hold back in a 31-29 comeback victory at Minnesota on Oct. 20. Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams didn’t hold back either in last week’s 30-20 victory. After returning home from the West Coast and having some extra time to rest, the Vikings (5-2) can’t wait to get their defense back on track.

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

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

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

“This is where I feel most comfortable getting ready to start football games,” Flacco said. “I feel at home here.”

Hockenson makes his debut

Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson rejoined the active roster, replacing the injured Christian Darrisow on the left side. Hockenson spent the first eight weeks on the physically unable to perform list while completing rehab from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in his right knee during the team’s Week 16 game last season. Passing attack can use reinforcement.

“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 the game or against man coverage, all of that is pretty unique for a tight end and he also gives you value in the run game like he does.”

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

“You really have to be patient with something like this,” Hockenson said. “I’ve been feeling good for months, but there’s data that says nine months is important to actually get on the field.”

familiar faces

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will have a few old friends to call after the game. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold’s former teammate in Southern California has also become close to Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who plays for the Colts in 2022. Pittman credited the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year for teaching him how to deal with strong and savvy players. secondary, because the two faced each other frequently in practice that season.

Changes from Cooter?

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was tasked with fine-tuning the game plan to account for the difference in style, experience and skills between the 39-year-old Flacco’s pure pass rusher and the 22-year-old’s dual-threat dynamism. year old Richardson.

“Each guy has some different strengths and weaknesses,” Cooter said. “Obviously Anthony is moving around, playing with his legs a little more often, and that’s the obvious thing. I’ll keep the rest. I’ll let Flores and the team in Minnesota think about it a little bit.”

Slow start for Addison

The Vikings are looking forward to getting a bigger impact from wide receiver Jordan Addison, who threw for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season but has failed to make more than three catches 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 scored 1 goal this season.

“I’m doing everything I can. I’m learning the film, watching the film and trying to get better. I’m looking forward to having a good game this week,” Addison said. “Just keep opening. That’s my job as a receiver, so I’m going to keep doing that.”