The Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos meet Friday in NFL preseason action from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Here’s a Broncos vs Vikings prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Broncos vs Vikings pick.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
Minnesota was down 10-3 at halftime during their preseason opener versus the New York Giants back on August 15. The Vikings came back with 10 third-quarter points though, and secured the win 13-10. Carson Wentz put up 81 yards and a score on 9-of-14 passing in the victory and Demond Claiborne added 12 carries for 34 yards. Leading receiver Myles Price had four catches for 51 yards and a TD.
In their Saturday game versus the Ravens, the Vikings were all tied up 3-3 by the break. Minnesota was shut out the rest of the way however, leading to a 13-3 loss. QB Max Brosmer was 11-of-17 for 98 yards and a pick while Carson Wentz had 92 yards with 9-of-11 passing. Zavier Scott rushed seven times for 28 yards and Tai Felton had three catches for 66 yards.
Denver Broncos Betting Preview
Over on the Broncos’ side, they got back to the preseason grind on August 14 versus the Atlanta Falcons. Denver looked pretty good in that one jumping out to a 24-0 halftime lead in a 27-7 victory. Jarrett Stidham had a 9-of-15 line for 131 yards and a score, while Sam Ehlinger contributed 10-of-14 passing for 67 yards. Courtland Sutton was the team’s top receiver with his three catches for 60 yards.
In game two against Green Bay, Denver gave up 16 points in the second quarter and 10 more in the fourth during a 33-13 loss. QB Jarrett Stidham was 9-of-15 for 82 yards and a pick, while Bo Nix went 6-of-9 for 76 yards and a score. Sam Ehlinger completed both his attempts for 10 yards total. Jaylen Waddle’s 35-yard catch put him atop the receivers in the defeat.
Minnesota Vikings @ Denver Broncos Betting Trends
Why the Minnesota Vikings will win
- The Vikings have won each of their last six games without Ivan Pace Jr..
- The Vikings have covered the spread in six of their last seven games without Justin Jefferson.
- The Vikings have won the first half in four of their last five home games against the Packers.
- The Vikings have scored the first touchdown in each of their last six Week 1 home games.
- The Vikings have won the first quarter in each of their last five home games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Vikings’ last six home games without Carson Wentz have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Aaron Jones has scored two or more touchdowns in each of his last three September appearances with his team as a home favorite against NFC North opponents.
- Aaron Jones has scored at least one touchdown in each of his six previous September appearances with his team as a favorite against NFC North opponents.
- Carson Wentz has recorded 14+ rushing yards in each of his last eight home appearances against NFC opponents.
- Carson Wentz has recorded 251+ passing yards in each of his six previous Week 1 appearances.
- T.J. Hockenson has recorded 35+ receiving yards in each of his last seven home appearances against NFC North opponents.
- Justin Jefferson has recorded 75+ rushing and receiving yards in each of the Vikings’ last six September home games.
- Carson Wentz has recorded 24+ completions in each of his last five Week 1 appearances.
- Will Reichard ranked T1st in the NFL in 50+ yard field goals made (11) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Vikings – two different players recorded 80+ rushing yards in a game last season – equal-most in the NFL.
- Vikings – five different players recorded 2.0 sacks or more in a game last season – equal-most in the NFL.
Why the Denver Broncos will win
- The Broncos have won each of their last four games as underdogs without Jarrett Stidham.
- The Broncos have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four games as underdogs.
Denver Broncos Player Prop Facts
- RJ Harvey has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Broncos’ last four road games.
- J.K. Dobbins has recorded 62+ rushing yards in each of his last seven road appearances against division opponents.
- Jarrett Stidham has recorded 219+ passing yards in four of his five previous appearances as a starter.
- Courtland Sutton has recorded 50+ receiving yards in 11 of the Broncos’ last 12 regular season games as underdogs.
- J.K. Dobbins has recorded 75+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last seven road appearances against division opponents.
- Bo Nix has recorded 23+ completions in seven of his last eight appearances.
- Bo Nix ranked 1st amongst qualified players for sack percentage (3.5%) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Broncos – 16 different players recorded 1.0 sacks or more in a game last season – most in the NFL.
- The Broncos ranked 1st in the NFL in sacks (68.0) last season.
Broncos vs Vikings Prediction
I’ll stick with the Vikings. That said, Minnesota needs a big turnaround after the loss to Baltimore. The defense played pretty well with 242 yards (184 passing), 11 first downs and 5-of-15 on third downs allowed. The Vikings offense was just 5-of-14 on third downs themselves though, with 14 first downs and two turnovers. The nine penalties for 73 yards didn’t help either.
As for Denver, they didn’t look spectacular in the Green Bay game. The Broncos posted just 225 yards (155 passing), 13 first downs, a 5-of-12 success rate on third downs and 10 penalties. Denver gave up 299 yards (181 passing) and 22 first downs on defense while surrendering 7-of-14 on third downs and generating no takeaways. There were a few bright spots on the roster but the Broncos need a lot more in game three.