The Minnesota Vikings have a special teams matchup Matt Daniels can exploit when Indianapolis visits Sunday. The Colts just surrendered a blocked punt touchdown and a 58-yard punt return in their 26-20 loss to Tennessee. Against this Minnesota group, that's a dangerous combination.
Daniels' unit has been a major factor in the Vikings' 5-0 start. That's quite a turnaround from last season, when a 56-yard Bears kickoff return 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.
Minnesota's 2026 special teams DVOA is 13.5%, according to FTN Fantasy. Defense-adjusted Value Over Average measures the value generated by field goals, punting, kickoffs, and returns relative to league-average outcomes, with special teams adjustments for conditions. That number supports the case for Daniels' group being consistently productive across several phases, rather than relying on one explosive punt return from Myles Price.
Indianapolis saw both punt disasters unfold in the fourth quarter. Chimere Dike's long return set up Tennessee's tying touchdown, then Julius Chestnut blocked a Rigoberto Sanchez punt that Oluwafemi Oladejo returned 14 yards for a score, according to the Titans' official game notes. That sequence turned a Colts lead into a deficit.
How Minnesota Vikings can pressure the Colts' punt team
Price already took a punt 86 yards for a touchdown against Tampa Bay. It was Minnesota's first punt-return score since Marcus Sherels in 2016, and his 43-yarder against the Saints showed the Buccaneers' play wasn't his only contribution.
Daniels doesn't need to dial up a reckless all-out rush. The threat of pressure forces Indianapolis to account for rush lanes before interior coverage defenders can release downfield. Commit too many bodies to protection, and Price gets more room. Release too quickly, and the punter becomes vulnerable.
Minnesota can win the field-position battle without touching a punt, especially if Indianapolis sacrifices coverage speed to protect its punter. The Colts could tighten their assignments or punt toward the sideline to reduce Price's chances. But kicking away from him can sacrifice distance, and surrendering field position still helps Minnesota.
Will Reichard makes every short field more valuable
Reichard is 15-for-15 on field goals this season and has made 34 straight dating to 2025. His remarkable run of accuracy includes a 55-yarder against New Orleans, giving Kevin O'Connell more ways to finish drives with points.
Kyler Murray's offense has been finding its rhythm, but Indianapolis' punt coverage issues could make its job considerably easier. Brian Flores' defense can force punts, Price can cut the field in half, and Reichard can cash in even if a drive stalls outside the red zone. That combination could be lethal against a Colts defense that held Tennessee to 186 offensive yards.
Sanchez injured his foot on Tennessee's blocked punt, and Indianapolis is weighing whether to add punter insurance before Sunday. A replacement, or changes to punt placement and protection, could give Price very different hang times and coverage angles to attack.
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