Vikings vs. Broncos Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
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Nik Kowalski
Saturday night’s bout is expected to feature the Broncos’ backups yet again, and it’s still to be determined whether Kirk Cousins and other Minnesota starters will make their pre-season debut.
Minnesota’s rolled with Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond in their two pre-season losses while veterans Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien have handled Denver’s quarterbacking duties.
Kickoff Saturday night art Empower Field at Mile High goes at 9 p.m. EDT. Oddsmakers have the contest listed as a pick’em with the over-under at 36.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Denver’s split their pre-season games when it comes to covering the spread but also in the win-loss and over-under columns. Minnesota’s 0-2 straight up and ATS in the pre-season.
The Vikings are currently on a 8-2 run to the over in their last 10 appearances, as well as an 11-2 run to the over in their last 11 on the road and 8-1 over run in their last nine versus the AFC West. So if you like following trends, you got your auto-play.
Denver’s also won nine of their last 10 outings against the NFC, but head-to-head have covered in just one of their last five hosting Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings
Without Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and more on offence this pre-season… offence has been tough to come by for the Vikings. Minnesota generated just 136 passing yards and 59 rushing yards in last week’s 17-7 loss versus San Francisco.
2022 5th-round pick Ty Chandler has performed well at running back in Cook’s place, rushing for 69 yards and a score on 10 carries this pre-season. On defence, rookie cornerback Akayleb Evans led all players with 10 tackles while seventh-year defensive tackle T.Y. McGill notched a sack and a half.
Denver Broncos
Denver’s backup felt the wrath of Josh Allen and the Bills last weekend, falling 42-15 on the road. Allen only played in the opening quarter for Buffalo but hit Gabriel Davis for a 28-yard score as the route started.
With all their starters out, Denver didn’t register a touchdown until the final quarter on a one-yard Rypien touchdown pass to Eric Saubert. Rypien was extremely efficient on the night with 22 completions on 26 attempts for 191 yards and the touchdown. Denver’s group of backup ball-carriers combined for just 32 rushing yards on 17 attempts.
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