The Minnesota Vikings have had a hellacious week on the injury front. J.J. McCarthy opted for a full meniscus repair that will sideline him for all of 2024 and Jordan Addison was spotted in a boot following Wednesday's practice.
My Vikings vs. Browns prediction has us backing a deep Browns roster against the undermanned Vikings. Find out more in my NFL picks for today's preseason action!
Vikings vs Browns prediction
My best bet
Browns -4.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The preseason is all about picking up moral victories and after the Minnesota Vikings secured their first preseason win since 2019 last week, they had exactly that. But just as things were looking up, Minnesota experienced a week from hell.
J.J. McCarthy was announced to have a meniscus injury that, depending on his treatment decision, could sideline him for a few months or the whole year. He ultimately opted to go the latter route, leaving Sam Darnold as the unquestioned starter for the year. Then Jordan Addison got hurt that day, appearing after practice in a boot and crutches.
It would come as no surprise if head coach Kevin O'Connell erred on the side of caution this week and leaned much heavier on his end-of-the-roster type guys. That doesn't bode well against a Cleveland Browns team that is chock full of talent and depth on both sides of the ball.
At quarterback alone, they boast a trio of quarterbacks — Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson — that have nearly 100 career starts to their name. Compare that to the likes of Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall, who will have to take the bulk of snaps on Saturday afternoon.
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings are also extremely thin at defensive back with Shaquill Griffin still nursing an injury. In fact, on Thursday it was reported that the Vikings made an over-the-market offer to Stephon Gilmore in an effort to pull him to Minnesota.
That already-thin secondary against a backup receiving corps that has some notable names on it (Jamari Thrash, David Bell, Cedric Tillman) should be a pivotal matchup in this game that lends its hand further to Cleveland
Vikings vs Browns odds
Vikings vs Browns live odds
Vikings vs Browns opening odds
- Spread: Minnesota +3 | Cleveland -3
- Moneyline: Minnesota +137 | Cleveland -162
- Over/Under: Over 38 | Under 38
Vikings vs Browns betting trend to know
The Vikings are 1-9 SU in their last 10 preseason games. Find more NFL betting trends for Vikings vs Browns.
Vikings vs Browns game info
| Location: | Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-17, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
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