The Minnesota Vikings head to the high altitude of Denver to take on the Broncos at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday in the preseason finale. Check the Broncos vs Vikings Betting Predictions below.
For many, it’s the final opportunity to prove to their general managers and coaches that they belong on the 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to cut the rosters down.
Vikings vs. Broncos Matchup Preview
The Vikings are 0-2-0 in the preseason with losses to the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-20, and the San Francisco 49ers, 17-7.
NFL player stats show they have yet to play their starters offensively with Kirk Cousins missing one game due to COVID-19.
That certainly makes Broncos vs. Vikings Score and Predictions hard to come by, given not a great sample size for what their offense may look like under first-year coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are 1-1-0 with a 17-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and a 42-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Repetitions for the Preseason
Similarly, new quarterback Russell Wilson and starting receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have yet to get game repetitions together, even if it’s in the preseason.
So it’s not great for Broncos vs. Vikings Score and Predictions and figuring out how Nathaniel Hackett’s offense is developing under the former Super Bowl-winning QB.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Odds Breakdown
NFL odds show the Vikings are 1-point favorites (-105) with an over/under of 35.5 points (-115). That is a switch from the opening of Broncos -2.5 with an over/under of 38.
The Moneyline is -110 odds regardless of who is picked to win. That’s a swap from the opening of Broncos -132 and Vikings +115.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Betting Preview
Minnesota Vikings
Each team has lengthy injury reports already, with three players on the Injured Reserve apiece. NFL injuries show the Broncos may be without Jeudy in NFL Week 1 due to a possible suspension on top of losing fellow receiver Tim Patrick to a knee injury.
Two Denver linemen are out:
- Tom Compton
- Netane Muti
Indefinitely, a third, Casey Tucker, was placed on IR. Meanwhile, the Vikings anticipate tight end Irv Smith Jr. to be ready for the season opener but is questionable for the preseason finale.
Vikings’ Offense
Minnesota has lost both at home and on the road, is 0-2-0 against the spread, and 1-1 on over/under. The Vikings’ offense hasn’t particularly been great, though Kellen Mond had some success in the first week leading the offense.
NFL team stats show the Vikings have gained 246.5 yards of offense, down from the league average of 311.
They’re averaging 4.8 yards per rush but have only run it 18 times, clearly trying to get their offense in a rhythm.
Despite the score differentials, the Viking’s defense has performed pretty well, especially against the pass. They’re allowing 322 yards of total offense, slightly above league average, and have limited opponents to 187.5 yards passing, down from the league average of 208.3. The Broncos are sure to test that.
Denver Broncos
Denver has made it a point to throw the football during the preseason. The Broncos are only averaging 299 yards of offense, and 263.5 yards of that are through the air.
That’s well above the 208.3 yards passing per game average around the league. Conversely, they only average 1.8 yards per rush attempt and 35.5 per game on 19.5 carries per contest. We’ll see how those numbers change with the starters.
Struggling Defense
The Denver Broncos‘ defense has struggled, allowing 413 yards of total offense and 174.5 yards on the ground. That includes 6.3 yards per carrying, well above the averages of 102.8 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carrying.
They’ll need to shore that up in this final game, and it doesn’t get easier with Dalvin Cook likely to get snaps in the finale as a tune-up. Then again, so will the Broncos’ starters.
Vikings vs. Broncos Betting Pick and Prediction
Broncos vs. Vikings Score and Predictions are hard to come by before the final injury reports come out, and in general, they aren’t available for preseason a lot of times.
Those making NFL picks usually wait for key news in the final media availability and injury reports, such as the latest that Wilson is not expected to play in the finale.
That’s a great explainer for the odds flipping toward the Vikings way, at least against the spread and then the moneyline evening up. It also gives the Vikings a reason to not use the dress rehearsal with their veterans.
Nick Mullens Trade
Besides, they traded for Nick Mullens mid-week to compete with Mond for the backup QB job, so expect those two to get even playing time.
Overall, the Broncos have the better defense, and the Vikings have better skill players on offense if each team plays their starters, and with limited information, that is the face value we’re judging this through.
Final Score Prediction: Vikings 20, Broncos 17
NFL Pick: Vikings -1 (-110)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.