Denver Broncos were the top seeds in the AFC playoffs last season, but head coach Sean Payton will want to see more from his team when they host Minnesota Vikings on Friday after two contrasting performances in their first two preseason games.
The Broncos opened their campaign with an impressive 27-7 win over Atlanta Falcons and were made heavy favorites for their second contest against Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High, only to lose 33-13.
The Vikings also come in at 1-1 after a 13-10 road win at New York Giants and a 13-3 home loss to Baltimore Ravens.
Vikings vs. Broncos betting tips and predictions
Vikings +6.5 (-110)
The Broncos let down their spread backers in Week 2 of the preseason when they were made the strongest favorites on the slate against the Packers only to lose by 20 points, so caution is advised after they were made 6.5-point favorites again for their next game against the Vikings.
Denver cruised through their first contest against the Falcons in Georgia and looked well set to go 3-0 in the preseason for a second successive year, but that notion came crashing down when they slumped at home to the Packers.
Starting quarterback Bo Nix performed well enough on his return to action after an ankle injury, completing six of his nine pass attempts for 76 yards including a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey.
Friday's game should be in the hands of back-ups Jarett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger, with Stidham looking to strengthen his hold on second place on the depth chart after throwing a pick against the Packers.
The Vikings have an even more interesting QB contest as former first-round pick JJ McCarthy has not only lost the starting job to Kyler Murray, he now also looks in danger of falling behind Carson Wentz for the back-up role.
McCarthy was outshone by the more experienced Wentz against the Giants as the former Eagles starter connected with wide receiver Myles Price for Minnesota's only touchdown of the game.
He then completed only half of his 10 pass attempts against the Ravens, when Wentz and fourth-stringer Max Brosmer both passed for more yards.
That issue should ensure the Vikings are not complacent on offense in this game, while their defense has been solid to date, allowing just 23 points in two matches and picking off Giants quarterback Brandon Allen twice.
There are plenty of players with a point to prove taking to the field, including Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin.
He has fallen down the depth chart in Colorado after the arrivals of Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins and the development of Pat Bryant and Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind last season's leading wideout Courtland Sutton.
Payton will also want to see more from his back-up offensive linemen. While the Broncos' starting O-line is one of the best in the league, some of their reserves have noticeably struggled in preseason including offensive tackle Frank Crum.
He has also missed practice time this week, along with center Alex Forsyth, while guard Nick Garguilo remains out of action due to a knee injury.
Denver still has a good case to be favored in this game but the spread looks too big, so taking the Vikings and the points is preferred.
Under 39.5 points (-110)
As well as the widest spread of the third week of preseason action, this game also has the highest total on that slate, and that looks worth challenging by taking under 39.5 points to be scored.
The Broncos' game last week went over that mark, but their opener produced just 34 points, while both Vikings games so far have come in well short of this line with totals of 23 and 16 points.
The teams scored only one touchdown between them last week and that was a pass by Denver QB Nix, who is not likely to feature in this contest.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NFL on site
Vikings vs. Broncos odds
Minnesota Vikings | +225 |
Denver Broncos | -275 |
Spread | DEN Broncos -6.5 |
Total Points | O/U 39.5 |
Read the latest NFL news on site
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
