Sports · October 26, 2026

Vikings Beat Colts 16–10: Harrison Smith's 40th Pick Seals 6–0 Start

Minnesota stayed undefeated as a fourth-quarter touchdown and a milestone interception turned a close game into its sixth victory.

By NewsTrendus Editorial Desk · October 26, 2026 · Independently written from credited sources · Representative editorial photograph

Representative photograph of American football action at a stadium; not the Minnesota Vikings versus Indianapolis Colts game

Representative editorial photograph, not the reported game or players. Photo: Wendy Wei / Pexels (Pexels free-use license).

At a glance: Minnesota beat Indianapolis 16–10 on October 25 and improved to 6–0. Harrison Smith intercepted Daniel Jones late to secure the victory and record his 40th career interception.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 25, 2026 — The Minnesota Vikings remained unbeaten with a 16–10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The contest stayed close until the fourth quarter, when Minnesota moved ahead and veteran safety Harrison Smith made the play that ended Indianapolis' final chance.

Vikings vs. Colts final score: A fourth-quarter reversal

Indianapolis led 7–0 after the first quarter and carried a 10–6 advantage into halftime. Neither team scored in the third period. Minnesota finally took its first lead early in the fourth when quarterback Kyler Murray connected with T.J. Hockenson for a five-yard touchdown pass.

That play changed the score to 13–10. Kicker Will Reichard later added a 52-yard field goal to stretch the margin to six points, leaving Indianapolis needing a touchdown rather than a field goal to win.

Harrison Smith's 40th interception clinches the result

With the Colts trying to rally in the final minutes, Smith intercepted a pass from Daniel Jones to seal the game. The interception was the 40th of Smith's NFL career, according to the Vikings' official report. The team noted that the milestone came in his 213th regular-season game.

The timing was as important as the career total. A turnover that late deprived Indianapolis of another opportunity to drive for the end zone. It also underscored the value of experienced defensive players in close, low-scoring games, where one possession can determine the result.

Kyler Murray, Jonathan Taylor and the key statistics

Murray completed 14 of 24 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Mason led Minnesota on the ground with 68 rushing yards. Justin Jefferson caught four passes for 44 yards, as the Vikings won without an explosive passing performance.

For Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Jones completed 13 of 22 passes for 108 yards but threw the decisive interception. The Colts were competitive for most of the afternoon, yet their offense produced no second-half points.

Why the result matters

The Vikings moved to 6–0, while the Colts fell to 2–5. Minnesota's defense kept the team within reach until the offense found its fourth-quarter touchdown. Reichard's late kick added crucial breathing room, and Smith supplied the final stop.

For fans checking the Colts–Vikings score, Minnesota won 16–10. The defining moments were Hockenson's five-yard touchdown reception, Reichard's 52-yard field goal and Smith's 40th career interception. Minnesota's unbeaten record now includes a win achieved through patience and defensive execution rather than a high-scoring shootout.

Sources and verification

NewsTrendus independently wrote this report using the primary team or league records and corroborating game coverage linked below. The photograph is licensed representative imagery and does not show the teams or game described here.

Editorial note: Game details reflect reports available on October 26, 2026. If official statistics are later corrected, please use the NewsTrendus contact page.