Colts vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats – Who Really Stood Out?
The NFL has seen its share of unforgettable games, but few compare to the sheer chaos and drama that unfolded on December 17, 2022, when the Indianapolis Colts faced the Minnesota Vikings in a matchup that rewrote the record books.
What began as a blowout became the greatest comeback in NFL history. But beyond the final score, the real story lies in the player performances, the shifts in momentum, and the stats that defined every snap.
In this breakdown, we’ll dive deep into the Colts vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats, explore team trends, and analyze how the two franchises compare historically.
What Made the Colts vs Vikings 2022 Match One for the History Books?
On a cold December evening at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the Vikings were trailing 33-0 late in the second quarter. The Colts had dominated every phase of the game. It was hard to imagine any scenario where the Vikings could mount a comeback, let alone win.
And yet, that’s exactly what they did. Minnesota scored 39 points to the Colts’ 3 in the final 31 minutes of football, forcing overtime and then sealing the win with a field goal.
Here’s how the scoring broke down by quarter:
| Quarter | Colts | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 17 | 0 |
| 2nd | 16 | 0 |
| 3rd | 3 | 14 |
| 4th | 0 | 22 |
| OT | 0 | 3 |
| Final | 36 | 39 |
This comeback not only stunned fans but shattered the previous NFL record for the largest comeback, previously held by the Buffalo Bills in 1993 (32 points).
How Did the Quarterbacks Perform Under Pressure?
Quarterback play was a tale of two halves. Matt Ryan, the Colts’ veteran QB, looked poised and efficient early on. But as the game slipped away, his control waned. Kirk Cousins, meanwhile, went from invisible to unstoppable, orchestrating the Vikings’ rally with precision and composure.
| Quarterback | Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Ryan (IND) | 19 | 33 | 182 | 1 | 0 |
| Kirk Cousins (MIN) | 34 | 54 | 460 | 4 | 2 |
Cousins’ 460-yard performance was not only the most of his 2022 season, but also one of the top single-game performances of his career. Despite throwing two interceptions, he maintained focus and trust in his receivers.
Matt Ryan, on the other hand, saw his early momentum erased by a lack of second-half execution. It’s worth noting that this game ultimately added to a growing list of late-game collapses for the veteran quarterback.
Who Were the Key Contributors in the Rushing Attack?
Rushing wasn’t the headline for either team in this matchup, but it played a supporting role in managing the clock and controlling tempo. With Jonathan Taylor sidelined, Zack Moss took on a heavier load for the Colts, while Dalvin Cook remained the Vikings’ primary weapon on the ground.
| Running Back | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average Yards/Carry | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Moss (IND) | 24 | 81 | 3.4 | 0 |
| Dalvin Cook (MIN) | 17 | 95 | 5.6 | 0 |
Moss provided dependable yardage between the tackles, helping the Colts dominate time of possession early. Cook, however, broke off more explosive plays, keeping the Vikings alive when they needed bursts of offense in the second half.
Which Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Made the Biggest Impact?
With nearly 1,000 combined passing yards in the game, it’s no surprise the receiving stats were eye-popping. While K.J. Osborn stole the spotlight for Minnesota, Michael Pittman Jr. led the Colts in receptions but was kept relatively quiet in terms of yardage.
| Receiver | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) | 10 | 60 | 0 |
| K.J. Osborn (MIN) | 10 | 157 | 1 |
| Dalvin Cook (MIN) | 4 | 95 | 1 |
| Justin Jefferson (MIN) | 12 | 123 | 1 |
The Vikings’ depth at wide receiver and running back allowed Cousins to distribute the ball efficiently. Jefferson, the team’s top receiver, continued his dominant season, while Osborn had a career night with big-yardage plays that kept the Colts’ defense off balance.
Which Defenders Rose to the Occasion?
Although the final score suggests a lack of defense, there were individual efforts on both sides worth highlighting. Tackles, sacks, and pressure all contributed to game-defining moments.
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | Turnovers Forced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Okereke (IND) | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Dayo Odeyingbo (IND) | — | — | 2.0 | 0 |
| Eric Kendricks (MIN) | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Danielle Hunter (MIN) | — | — | 1.5 | 0 |
Odeyingbo’s two sacks were key in stopping Minnesota’s momentum in the first half. For the Vikings, Kendricks once again anchored the defense, delivering consistent pressure and limiting yards after contact.
How Did Special Teams Affect the Outcome?
Special teams were pivotal, especially in overtime. The Vikings, having clawed back into the game, relied on Greg Joseph to deliver the final blow.
Joseph converted the game-winning 40-yard field goal, capping the most improbable comeback. Both teams executed extra points and kickoff coverage well, but the Vikings’ ability to stay composed in high-pressure kicking moments made the difference.
How Did the Team Stats Reflect the Game’s Momentum Shift?
What stands out most in the team stats is how the Colts dominated early, but the Vikings finished stronger in nearly every category by the final whistle.
| Team | Total Yards | Turnovers | First Downs | Penalties | Time of Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | 341 | 1 | 20 | 11 for 103 yds | 36:37 |
| Vikings | 518 | 3 | 32 | 9 for 74 yds | 33:20 |
Despite having more turnovers and less possession time, the Vikings’ offensive explosion — especially in yardage and first downs, flipped the narrative of the game.
What Is the All-Time Record Between the Colts and Vikings?
The historical matchup between these two franchises favors the Colts, though recent games show a more even contest.
Head-to-Head Record (Including Playoffs):
| Category | Colts | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 17 | 9 |
| Losses | 9 | 17 |
| Ties | 1 | 1 |
| Playoff Wins | 1 | 0 |
Recent Results:
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Vikings | 21-13 | Minneapolis |
| 2022 | Vikings | 39-36 (OT) | Minneapolis |
| 2020 | Colts | 28-11 | Indianapolis |
| 2016 | Colts | 34-6 | Minneapolis |
| 2012 | Colts | 23-20 | Indianapolis |
While the Colts still maintain the edge overall, the Vikings have won two of the last three meetings and continue to build momentum in the rivalry.
How Do the Teams Compare Historically in Offense and Defense?
Taking a broader look across decades of NFL play, the Colts and Vikings have carved very different identities. The Colts traditionally lean on high-powered passing attacks, while the Vikings often emphasize defense and running efficiency.
Offensive Totals (All-Time):
| Category | Colts | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 226,728 | 206,235 |
| Passing TDs | 1,574 | 1,439 |
| Rushing Yards | 129,215 | 121,849 |
| Rushing TDs | 1,011 | 912 |
Defensive Totals (All-Time):
| Category | Colts | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 2,247 | 2,425 |
| Interceptions | 1,287 | 1,182 |
| Forced Fumbles | 970 | 1,016 |
These numbers highlight how the Colts have been one of the league’s most productive offensive franchises, while the Vikings have consistently ranked among the best in pressure defense and turnover generation.
What Are the Key Takeaways from the Colts vs Vikings Match?
This game wasn’t just a statistical anomaly, it was a testament to resilience, mental toughness, and execution under pressure. The Colts collapsed after a brilliant start, unable to adapt as momentum shifted. The Vikings, on the other hand, rallied around leadership, took calculated risks, and stayed composed in crunch time.
The performance by Kirk Cousins will go down as one of the most memorable in recent years, and the Vikings’ receivers — particularly Osborn and Jefferson, proved they can shine on the biggest stages.
The broader historical context shows the Colts still hold the upper hand in the rivalry, but if recent trends are any indicator, the Vikings are closing the gap fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the 2022 Colts vs Vikings game?
The Vikings defeated the Colts 39-36 in overtime after trailing by 33 points.
Who threw the most passing yards in that game?
Kirk Cousins threw for 460 yards, leading all passers in the game.
Which player scored the game-winning points?
Greg Joseph kicked the game-winning field goal for the Vikings in overtime.
How many total yards did the Vikings gain?
The Vikings finished with 518 total offensive yards.
What’s the all-time head-to-head record?
The Colts lead the all-time series with 17 wins, 9 losses, and 1 tie.
Which defender had the most tackles in the 2022 game?
Both Bobby Okereke and Eric Kendricks recorded 12 tackles.
When was the previous largest comeback before this game?
The previous record was 32 points by the Buffalo Bills in 1993 against the Houston Oilers.
