MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings’ sixth win of the season, which began with sour notes against a .500 opponent that had a history of peculiar games at U.S. Bank Stadium, lacked the polish of the home victories that propelled their 5-0 start.

After two NFC losses in five days, though, they needed a win that would help them keep pace in the NFC North standings. They also hoped for a performance that would recapture some of the foundation they’d built early in the year. The second half of their victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night provided a few callbacks to what had helped them early this year.

Three second-half touchdown passes from Sam Darnold, and an unceasing pass rush that short-circuited the Colts’ passing game, helped the Vikings overcome a sloppy first half and end a two-game losing streak with a 21-13 win over Indianapolis.

All three of the Vikings’ sacks came in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings allowed Joe Flacco to throw for just 117 yards on his 17 second-half attempts. Though the Colts intercepted Sam Darnold twice and scored their only touchdown on a controversial fumble return, Darnold completed 12 of his 15 second-half passes for 152 yards and three scores.

Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 137 yards, but Darnold hit eight other receivers, throwing touchdown passes to three of them.

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