The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos will meet for their final preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver is fresh off a 42-15 thrashing at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in their most recent preseason game, while Minnesota fell to the San Francisco 49ers, 17-7, last Saturday.
The Broncos have rested most of their regulars during the preseason, including quarterback Russell Wilson. This is expected to continue during their clash with the Vikings, who will also be starting a full array of backups with no plans of playing Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, or Justin Jefferson.
Let’s look at current Minnesota vs Denver betting lines and identify the best bets and props for this Week 3 preseason matchup.
Vikings vs Broncos Odds
At the time of writing, this matchup is a virtual toss-up with the Broncos being favored by just 1.5 points at home over the Vikings.
The Over/Under of 36.5 points is tied for the lowest game total on the board for preseason Week 3, according to our NFL odds.
Vikings vs Broncos Implied Score
Broncos 19, Vikings 17.5
Sportsbooks are giving the Broncos a narrow edge at home over Minnesota in what should be one of the lowest-scoring games of the weekend.
Vikings vs Broncos Pick of the Day
Read more on this Vikings vs Broncos bet below.
Vikings vs Broncos Matchup
Denver announced that Brett Rypien will be starting at quarterback for the Broncos’ preseason finale versus the Vikings. Josh Johnson started the previous two games, including a blowout loss to the Bills this past weekend. However, Rypien was one of the few bright spots of the loss, going 22-of-26 for 191 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson will get the nod in the second half of Saturday’s game but make no mistake — the competition for QB2 is wide open in Denver. Expect both quarterbacks to put their best foot forward in an attempt to separate themselves against the Vikings.
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters that most starters would be given a rest for the final preseason game. Still, there could be an exception for players that need reps, such as wide receiver K.J. Hamler and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam.
On the Vikings’ side, head coach Kevin O’Connell will continue to monitor backup quarterbacks Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion. At the same time, wideouts such as Bisi Johnson and Ihmir Smith-Marsette will likely be given an extended look.
It is unknown if Alexander Mattison will take the field Saturday, but Bryant Koback will likely get plenty of work in the backfield and on special teams.
Vikings vs Broncos Prediction
Broncos 20, Vikings 14
The Broncos are likely to bounce back at home after an embarrassing loss to the Bills last week. Even if preseason games have no bearing on a team’s outlook, there is still something to be said for positive momentum heading into the regular season.
Buffalo was able to command the game script by averaging 7.7 yards per carry. However, the Vikings are unlikely to exploit this weakness of the Broncos’ backup defensive unit because they intend to get a read on Mond and Mannion.
Minnesota passed the ball 35 times last week while rushing the ball on just 14 plays. If this game plan holds, Denver should have the advantage.
Denver controlled the ball well, despite losing in blowout fashion, surrendering zero turnovers, and committing just three penalties. Look for Rypien to lead the Broncos to victory at home in their preseason finale in what should be a very low-scoring affair.
Vikings vs Broncos Bet Tips
- Both Denver and Minnesota are 5-5 against the spread in their previous 10 preseason games.
- The Under has hit in 14 of the Broncos’ last 20 games
Vikings vs Broncos Best Bets
Broncos Moneyline (+100) at FanDuel Sportsbook
The best bet will depend on the odds when you place your wager. You want to look between a straight Moneyline victory for the Broncos or Denver to cover 1.5 points. At the time of this article, there is an advantage to picking a straight win at home.
