The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos lock horns on Saturday night in what will be the preseason finale for both squads.
Both teams are coming off lopsided losses last week and seem content to finish the preseason with their starters covered up in bubble wrap.
Here are our best free NFL picks and predictions for Vikings vs. Broncos on Friday, August 26.
Vikings vs Broncos odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Broncos opened as 2.5-point favorites for this tune-up contest, but the line has jumped the fence to favor the Vikes at -1. The total has moved down from 38 to 35.5.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full NFL odds before placing your bets.
Vikings vs Broncos predictions
Predictions made on 8/26/2022 at 12:05 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Vikings vs Broncos game info
• Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
• Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022
• Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
• TV: NFL Network
Vikings at Broncos betting preview
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Betting trend to know
The Broncos are 5-1 SU in their last six preseason games, including a 33-6 win against the Vikings last August. Find more NFL betting trends for Vikings vs. Broncos.
Vikings vs Broncos picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
The Broncos won their first preseason game 17-7, on the back of a combined 285 yards passing from Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien. In their second preseason game, they were clobbered 42-15 by a Bills team that actually played a decent number of starters against them in the opening half.
For their part, the Broncos haven't given much burn to their entrenched starters and haven't given a single snap to prized offseason acquisition Russell Wilson.
The Vikings have lost both of their preseason contests this year, falling 26-20 to the Raiders in their opener and then losing 17-7 last week.
Like the Broncos, the Vikes haven't played No. 1 QB Kirk Cousins, and backups Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion were ineffective in both exhibition games. They were so unimpressive, in fact, that Minnesota traded for Nick Mullens (who coincidently played against them in Week 1 of the preseason) on Monday.
Expect Mullens to get a decent number of snaps on Saturday, but he'll likely have a tough time adjusting to a new playbook and teammates on the fly. While Johnson underwhelmed against the Bills, he is a solid backup at the NFL level and should have a bounce-back game against a Vikings defense that will likely have plenty of bubble players fighting for spots on Saturday.
The Broncos' defense will likely play better than last week, as well, since they were eviscerated by guys like Case Keenum, Josh Allen, Devin Singletary, Gabriel Davis, and Stefon Diggs — starter-caliber players they won't be facing against Minnesota.
Go against the line movement and back the Broncos.
Prediction: Broncos +1 (-115 at bet365)
Over/Under analysis
Kevin O’Connell will be a refreshing new play-caller for the Vikes but expect a conservative, vanilla approach from him on Saturday — especially with the recently acquired Mullens under center.
Don't expect much creativity from the Broncos either, with most of their spots on offense locked up. However, both teams have more intriguing position battles on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker is an especially interesting position group for Denver, who immediately cut former Pro-Bowler Joe Schobert after one underwhelming game and also released Barrington Wade, who led the team in tackles last week. Suffice to say that the training camp battles have been intense and plenty of rotation spots are up for grabs.
That should make for some competitive defensive play and this game going below the total.
Prediction: Under 35.5 (-110 at CoolBet)
Best bet
When I look at the projected starting lineups and the depth players that both teams will use this weekend, it's hard not to give a slight talent edge to Denver.
Especially with Johnson and Rypien looking pretty solid throwing the ball. Combine that with the elevation at Mile High, and I'll take the Broncos on the moneyline.
Pick: Broncos moneyline (+100 at FanDuel)
