The Colts are walking into Sunday with a special teams problem that Minnesota is built to pounce on.
Indianapolis gave Tennessee two punting nightmares in the fourth quarter of a 26-20 loss: Chimere Dike ripped off a long return that helped set up the tying touchdown, then Julius Chestnut got through for a block and Oluwafemi Oladejo carried it 14 yards for a score, according to the Titans’ official game notes. That kind of breakdown is exactly the sort of opening Matt Daniels’ unit has been cashing in on all season.
Minnesota’s special teams have been a real weapon in the Vikings’ 5-0 start, and this isn’t just about one splash play from Myles Price. The group has been consistently good across phases, a sharp change from last season when a 56-yard Bears kickoff return helped set up a game-winning field goal against Minnesota. Against New Orleans, Jake Golday forced a fumble on the second-half kickoff and Jeshaun Jones recovered it.
The numbers back up the eye test. Minnesota’s 2026 special teams DVOA is 13.5%, according to FTN Fantasy, a mark that reflects value on field goals, punting, kickoffs and returns relative to league average, with adjustments for conditions. In other words, Daniels’ group isn’t just living off one or two lucky breaks.
The punt game is where the Colts could get burned again. Price already took a punt 86 yards for a touchdown against Tampa Bay, Minnesota’s first punt-return score since Marcus Sherels in 2016, and he added a 43-yard return against the Saints.
Daniels doesn’t need to go full-send on pressure to make Indianapolis uncomfortable. Just the threat of it changes everything.
If the Colts commit extra bodies to protection, that leaves less help for coverage and more space for Price. If they release too quickly, Rigoberto Sanchez becomes exposed. And if Indianapolis starts worrying more about preventing disaster than flipping field position, Minnesota can still benefit even without a return.
That matters because Will Reichard keeps turning short fields into points. He’s 15-for-15 on field goals this season and has made 34 straight dating to 2025, including a 55-yarder against New Orleans. That kind of reliability gives Kevin O'Connell a cleaner path to points whenever the offense stalls outside the red zone.
Kyler Murray's offense has been finding its rhythm, but the Colts’ special teams issues could make life easier anyway. Brian Flores' defense can force a punt, Price can tilt the field, and Reichard can finish the job. That’s a tough formula for Indianapolis, especially after a game in which its defense held Tennessee to 186 offensive yards.
There’s also uncertainty around Sanchez, who injured his foot on Tennessee’s blocked punt. Indianapolis is weighing whether to add punter insurance before Sunday, and any replacement - or any change in protection or punt placement - could alter the hang time and angles Price gets to attack.
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