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Broncos vs Vikings Odds, Picks, and Predictions NFL Preseason Week 1

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NFL Football

Updated Aug 14, 2021 · 4:54 AM PDT

Drew Lock throws pass in practice
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) takes part in drills during an NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
  • The Denver Broncos are 2.5-point road favorites over the Minnesota Vikings in preseason action on Saturday (August 14th, 4 pm ET)
  • Drew Lock will start at QB for Denver, while Kirk Cousins is expected to play for Minnesota
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

Week 1 of the NFL preseason continues on Saturday (August 14th), as the Denver Broncos visit the Minnesota Vikings. The action gets underway at 4 pm ET from U.S. Bank Stadium, and the game will be televised nationally on the NFL Network.

Broncos vs Vikings Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Denver Broncos -145 -2.5 (-115) O 34.5 (-105)
Minnesota Vikings +125 +2.5 (-105) U 34.5 (-115)

Odds as of August 12th at DraftKings.

Denver opened up as a 2.5-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 34.5. There’s been no line movement as of yet, despite the fact that 86% of the moneyline bets are currently on Denver.

For the third time in the past six seasons, the Broncos are holding a quarterback competition in camp, and it will be Drew Lock that gets the start on Saturday.

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Denver’s QB Conundrum

Both Lock and former Viking Teddy Bridgewater will get first team snaps against Minnesota, but Lock earned the starting nod due to his seniority with the team. The 24-year-old is looking to bounce back from a dismal 2020 season, where he lead the league in interceptions and finished last among qualified starters in completion percentage.

Both Lock and Bridgewater have reportedly had strong moments in camp to this point, but both have been plagued by turnovers. Denver finished last in giveaways and turnover margin in 2020.

Bridgewater is fresh off an underwhelming season himself as Carolina’s starter, but no matter who’s under center they’ll have plenty of weapons to throw to.

Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton are both dynamic playmakers at the wide receiver position, while Noah Fant is a blossoming tight end. Sutton is unlikely to play on Saturday as he’s eased back from a knee injury, but both Jeudy and Fant should be out there.

On the other side of the ball, Vikings stud pass rusher Danielle Hunter is unlikely to play, which could give the Denver QB’s some breathing room.

Cousins Likely To Play

Mike Zimmer won’t reveal which of his starters will play and for how long, but all signs point to Kirk Cousins starting. The 32-year-old has been outspoken about wanting to play in the preseason, and he’s played in the first quarter in each of the past two preseason openers.

Cousins has gone 4-for-4 with a TD in each of those outings, one of which was against the Broncos. Jake Browning, an undrafted QB out of Washington, will likely be up next, after impressing so far in camp. Browning threw 43 touchdown passes during his sophomore season in college, but managed only 35 combined in his junior and senior years. He’s been waived twice by the Vikings in the past and should face plenty of pressure.

Vic Fangio defenses are always among the best pass rushing units in the league, and finished top-10 last season without Von Miller. They excelled versus Minnesota in practice this week, and on paper look like one of the NFL’s best defensive units. Miller is itching to play in the preseason, but it’s doubtful he or former first round pick Bradley Chubb will be on the field Saturday.

Minnesota’s offensive line is a major concern heading into the season, as their best pass blocker from 2020 (Riley Reiff) is gone, while first round pick Christian Darrisaw just had groin surgery.

In addition to Darrisaw, the Vikings will also be without stud wideout Justin Jefferson, who suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder last Friday.

Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, who’s reportedly looked phenomenal all camp, doesn’t know if he’ll play versus Denver, but says he’ll be ready if his number is called.

Broncos vs Vikings Pick

While Minnesota will be without its first round pick on Saturday, the Broncos will likely get a good look at both Patrick Surtain and Javonte Williams, their first and second round picks. Both have been turning heads in camp, and might already be the best player on the roster at their respectful position.

Neither team experienced an overwhelming amount of turnover this offseason, but the Vikings are still trying to figure out their offensive line issues. The weak O-line, coupled with Denver’s strong front could make scoring tough to come by for Minny, especially if Cousins only plays a series or two.

Having a veteran like Lock or Bridgewater under center for most of the first half (if not longer) should lead to success for Denver’s offense, but few coaches have a better track record than Mike Zimmer in the preseason. Since 2005, his teams are 20-5 in preseason play, but I hesitate to back them straight up. Instead, bank of his defense causing enough problems for Lock, Bridgewater or third stringer Brett Rypien to keep this contest low scoring.

Pick: Under 34.5 (-115)

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