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Vikings vs. Broncos Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for NFL Preseason Week 3 (Broncos Bounce Back)

By Joe Summers

Brett Rypien throws an off-balance pass in last week's loss to the Bills
Brett Rypien throws an off-balance pass in last week's loss to the Bills / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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The Minnesota Vikings lost their sixth consecutive preseason game in last week's matchup with the 49ers, while the Denver Broncos saw a five-game winning streak snapped in a demolition at Buffalo's hands.

As each team gears up for the regular season with playoff aspirations, where does the value lie?

Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson are both expected to take steps forward with new offenses, though we may not see either compete. Can the offensive schemes shine regardless?

To find the value in this Vikings vs Broncos matchup, let's check out the consensus odds and some betting trends:

Vikings vs Broncos Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

  • Vikings +2.5 (-110)
  • Broncos -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Vikings: +115
  • Broncos: -135

Total:

  • 38.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Vikings vs Broncos Betting Trends

Vikings

  • 1-5 ATS last six preseason games
  • OVER is 6-3 last nine preseason games
  • 8-4 last 12 preseason games as underdogs

Broncos

  • 4-2 ATS last six preseason games
  • UNDER is 9-2 last 11 preseason games
  • 6-3-1 ATS last 10 preseason games as favorites

Vikings vs Broncos Prediction and Pick

The Denver Broncos' backups got thoroughly destroyed by Buffalo in last week's 42-15 loss. I expect better from Denver moving forward, but that performance didn't do much to inspire confidence in the roster's depth.

Buffalo averaged 7.7 yards on the ground, and the Broncos' need a much, much better effort from the run defense moving forward. That weakness will likely be mitigated by Minnesota's strategy, however, as it seems Vikings' coaches want to get looks at their backup quarterbacks throughout these meaningless games.

For example, Minnesota passed the ball 35 times last week compared to just 14 rushes, despite gaining 4.2 yards per tote. If that holds, Denver should have an edge.

I'm a fan of backing teams after gigantic blowouts, even in the preseason. Thus, I'm siding with the Broncos. They'll want to erase that sour taste from last week's embarrassment to avoid carrying it into the regular season, so I think we'll get a much more inspired effort.

Pick: Broncos -2.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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