Broncos vs. Vikings: NFL preseason betting odds, preview, and pick
The first full week of the NFL preseason is finally upon us, and fans can look forward to an intriguing matchup on Saturday, Aug. 14 between the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.
We have the betting odds and pick you need for for this interconference clash.
Is This Fangio’s Final Stand?
Vic Fangio is entering his third year as head coach of the Broncos, and after four straight losing seasons as a franchise, there is little patience left. He may be on the hot seat if Denver struggles to live up to expectations this year. In order to succeed, the Broncos will need to land on a quarterback to lead the team, and this preseason will go a long way in sealing Fangio's fate.
Bridgewater or Lock?
Denver's quarterback competition will be decided by former Carolina Panthers Teddy Bridgewater and incumbent Drew Lock. Lock is more of a dual threat with arguably a stronger arm, but Bridgewater has been more successful in recent years and could potentially be more reliable.
Drew Lock 🚀 Courtland Sutton
— PFF (@PFF) August 8, 2021
pic.twitter.com/gJGyFn4ezQ
While most teams spend the preseason trying out backups and third-stringers, the Broncos should use these games as an opportunity For Bridgewater and Lock to audition for the top spot at QB1. Both are better than the Vikings’ quarterbacks, and give the Broncos an important edge on Sunday.
Broncos vs. Vikings Injury Report
Denver Broncos | Minnesota Vikings |
---|
Marquiss Spencer: Questionable (ankle) | Kellen Mond: Out (COVID-19) |
Kary Vincent Jr.: Questionable (hip) | Justin Jefferson: Questionable (shoulder) |
Tim Patrick: Questionable (groin) | Dede Westbrook: Questionable (knee) |
Courtland Sutton: Questionable (knee) | Myron Mitchell: Questionable (undisclosed) |
Diontae Spencer: Questionable (knee) | Bashaud Breeland: Questionable (shoulder) |
Broncos and Vikings Trends
- The Broncos were 9-7 ATS in 2020
- The Broncos were 5-3 ATS on the road in 2020
- The Vikings were 6-10 ATS in 2020
- The Vikings were 2-6 ATS at home in 2020
- The Vikings are 8-7 against the Broncos dating back to 1972
- The Broncos have won three of their last four games against the Vikings dating back to 2007
Stanley and Browning aren't ready for primetime
Mike Zimmer has been an excellent coach in the preseason against the spread, accumulating an impressive 17-8 record. He is a no-nonsense personality, and surely abides by the mindset that you practice how you play.
In this matchup, however, Zimmer will have little reason to play Kirk Cousins, and backup rookie Kellen Mond is out for COVID-19 protocols. That leaves third and fourth-stringers Nate Stanley and Jake Browning. Browning is a rookie that at times showed great potential at the University of Washington, but his away from home his splits were mediocre, and he has a lot of maturing to do before he’s ready to throw against professionals. Nate Stanley only has a year under his belt after being a seventh-round pick out of Iowa, and hasn’t made a play yet in an NFL game.
Nate Stanley finds Zach Davidson for the TD. pic.twitter.com/qsfO8INru3
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 9, 2021
With the Broncos needing to solve a quarterback question between two proven starters and an intelligent third-stringer in Brett Rypien, I like the Broncos to find far more success throwing the ball. Look for Fangio to try and set the tone for the upcoming season and start this team with a win on the road in Minnesota.
Score prediction: Broncos 21, Vikings 14
NFL preseason pick: Broncos -2.5
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