Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction: Who Will Win Friday Night?

Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction: Get Minnesota vs Denver odds, spread, player props, same game parlay and best bets for Friday.

Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction: Vikings vs Broncos, Who Will Win Today?

The best Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction is to back the Denver Broncos -3.5 at home against the Minnesota Vikings.

Denver has the more established roster, greater continuity and a significant home-field advantage at Empower Field at Mile High. With backups expected to handle most of Friday night’s preseason finale, those factors become even more important.

The Broncos also have legitimate competition throughout their depth chart. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the QB2 position, while Audric Estimé, Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson are fighting for opportunities in the backup running back rotation.

Minnesota has its own quarterback competition involving J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz, but the Vikings are still incorporating a new quarterback into the offensive structure and could depend heavily on rookies once the regular season begins.

Denver’s roster continuity under Sean Payton gives the Broncos the edge.

The Pick: Denver Broncos -3.5

A Summary

The Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction favors Denver because the Broncos enter the preseason finale with greater continuity, depth and familiarity throughout their roster.

Denver has maintained much of the core that helped it reach the AFC Championship Game. The Broncos return 20 of 22 starters from that team and brought back 17 important free agents.

That continuity is particularly valuable in preseason football.

Backup players are frequently working with unfamiliar teammates, but Denver’s system has a relatively stable foundation. The defensive players and offensive backups have spent significant time within Sean Payton’s system.

Minnesota is dealing with considerably more uncertainty.

The Vikings are still working through their quarterback situation, with J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz competing for the QB2 role. Minnesota could also have as many as five rookies contributing during Week 1.

The Broncos therefore have a more established structure heading into Friday.

The location matters too.

Denver is playing at Empower Field at Mile High, where the altitude can create an additional challenge for visiting players, particularly those playing extended preseason snaps.

The total is approximately 37.5 points, and the Under is also worth considering.

Minnesota has scored just 16 points across its first two preseason games, while the Vikings’ defense has allowed only 23 points.

Denver’s defense should also be motivated to rebound after giving up significant production against Green Bay.

The expected game script is therefore relatively straightforward: Denver’s depth controls the game, Minnesota struggles to generate consistent offense, and the Broncos cover the small home spread.

Best Bet: Denver Broncos -3.5

Secondary Bet: Under 37.5

Table of Contents

Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction

Vikings vs Broncos Odds

What Is the Point Spread in NFL Betting?

Vikings vs Broncos Same Game Parlay

Vikings vs Broncos Player Props

Denver Broncos Quarterback Competition

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Competition

Denver Broncos Roster Continuity

Minnesota Vikings Offensive Questions

Empower Field at Mile High Advantage

Vikings vs Broncos Over/Under

Vikings vs Broncos Injuries

How to Watch Vikings vs Broncos

Vikings vs Broncos Follow-Up Questions

Vikings vs Broncos FAQ

Final Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction

Vikings vs Broncos Odds

The current Vikings vs Broncos odds have Denver listed as a 3.5-point home favorite.

The total is approximately 37.5 points.

Betting Market | Current Number
Minnesota Vikings | +3.5
Denver Broncos | -3.5
Game Total | 37.5
Favorite | Denver Broncos
Location | Empower Field at Mile High
Kickoff | 9:00 PM ET
Date | Friday, August 28, 2026
Recommended Side | Denver Broncos -3.5

The spread reflects Denver’s advantages in roster continuity and home-field conditions.

For preseason betting, however, the most important factor is often not the starting lineup.

It’s the second and third units.

That’s where Denver’s continuity becomes particularly valuable.

What Is the Point Spread in NFL Betting?

The NFL point spread is the number of points a favorite must win by to cover a wager, while the underdog covers by winning outright or losing by fewer points than the spread.

With Denver at -3.5, the Broncos must win by at least four points for a Denver spread wager to cash.

Minnesota +3.5 covers if the Vikings win outright or lose by three points or fewer.

Vikings vs Broncos Same Game Parlay

A Vikings vs Broncos same game parlay should be built around the expectation that Denver controls the game while scoring remains relatively modest.

Potential selections include:

Denver Broncos -3.5

Under 37.5 points

Minnesota team total Under

Denver quarterback passing props based on expected playing time

Denver rushing props for players expected to receive extended work

The Denver spread and Under can work together logically.

If the Broncos win something like 23-10, 24-13 or 21-14, both selections would have a strong chance to cash.

The major consideration with any preseason same game parlay is playing time.

Quarterback and running back rotations can change significantly from one preseason game to another, so bettors using YouWager.lv should verify the latest team announcements before placing player-specific wagers.

Vikings vs Broncos Player Props

The Vikings vs Broncos player props market deserves careful attention because several players have something meaningful to play for.

Jarrett Stidham Player Props

Jarrett Stidham is competing for the Broncos’ QB2 position.

That gives him an incentive to perform well in the preseason finale.

Stidham has extensive familiarity with Denver’s offensive system, and his competition with Sam Ehlinger means both quarterbacks could receive meaningful opportunities.

If Stidham receives extended playing time, his passing attempts and completions could become more interesting than his raw passing-yardage number.

Sam Ehlinger Player Props

Sam Ehlinger is also competing for the backup quarterback job.

His potential playing time is therefore important when evaluating Denver’s offensive expectations.

If Ehlinger plays significant portions of the second half, Denver could maintain offensive continuity even after Stidham exits.

J.J. McCarthy Player Props

J.J. McCarthy remains an important player to monitor for Minnesota.

The Vikings are still developing their quarterback structure, and McCarthy’s preseason opportunities are valuable for his development.

However, preseason props involving McCarthy should be approached cautiously because Minnesota’s coaching staff could manage his workload.

Carson Wentz Player Props

Carson Wentz is part of Minnesota’s quarterback competition.

His NFL experience provides Minnesota with a veteran option, but the Vikings’ broader offensive transition creates uncertainty about how effective the passing game will be.

The matchup against Denver’s defense adds another challenge.

Denver Broncos Quarterback Competition

The Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction gets an important boost from Denver’s quarterback depth.

Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the QB2 position.

That competition creates a useful preseason environment.

Both players have something to prove.

Both quarterbacks are familiar with the Broncos’ system.

And both have spent the offseason competing alongside the same group of offensive players.

That continuity can become a major advantage once the starters leave the field.

Denver isn’t relying on a backup quarterback who is learning an entirely new offense.

The Broncos’ reserve quarterbacks are competing within an established system.

Sean Payton’s offensive structure is also designed to create opportunities through pre-snap movement, efficient reads and situational football.

That gives Denver’s backups a solid foundation.

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Competition

Minnesota’s quarterback situation is considerably more unsettled.

The Vikings have a QB2 competition involving J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.

That isn’t necessarily a weakness by itself.

But the broader context matters.

Minnesota is still incorporating a new quarterback structure, and the team could potentially rely on five rookie contributors once the regular season begins.

That creates additional uncertainty.

Preseason games are often decided by execution and familiarity.

When a backup quarterback is surrounded by players who haven’t played together extensively, communication errors become more likely.

Denver has less of that uncertainty.

The Broncos have maintained much of their core roster and system.

That’s one of the primary reasons the Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction favors Denver.

Denver Broncos Roster Continuity

Denver’s roster continuity is arguably the biggest fundamental advantage in this matchup.

The Broncos are bringing back 20 of 22 starters from their AFC Championship team and re-signed 17 key free agents.

That means the organization isn’t starting from scratch.

Even when starters leave the field, the players replacing them are operating within a relatively stable system.

This matters enormously in preseason football.

A backup offensive lineman already understands the calls.

A reserve wide receiver knows the terminology.

A backup defender knows the coverage structure.

A second-string quarterback knows where his receivers are expected to be.

That familiarity can translate into fewer mistakes.

Denver therefore has an important advantage that doesn’t necessarily show up in the basic box score.

Minnesota Vikings Offensive Questions

Minnesota has scored only 16 points across its first two preseason games.

That is a major concern entering a matchup against Denver.

The Vikings don’t need to score 30 points for the Broncos to cover, but they do need to sustain enough drives to keep the game within the spread.

Their offensive inconsistency makes that difficult.

If Minnesota struggles to move the chains early, Denver could control field position and force the Vikings into obvious passing situations.

That’s particularly dangerous in a preseason game where backup quarterbacks are playing behind reserve offensive lines.

Denver’s defense should be able to take advantage.

Empower Field at Mile High Advantage

The Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction also gets a boost from the location.

Denver hosts the game at Empower Field at Mile High.

The altitude is a legitimate factor.

Visiting teams have to adjust to Denver’s elevation, and that adjustment can become more noticeable when players are taking extended preseason snaps.

The home team is already accustomed to the environment.

That creates an advantage for Denver’s younger players and backups.

Preseason games often come down to depth.

If Denver’s reserves can maintain their energy better in the second half, that could become decisive.

The Broncos also have the benefit of sleeping in their own beds, following their normal routines and avoiding travel.

Those are small advantages individually.

Together, they matter.

Vikings vs Broncos Over/Under

The Vikings vs Broncos over/under is approximately 37.5 points.

The Under is attractive because Minnesota has scored only 16 points through two preseason games.

That’s an average of just 8 points per game.

Minnesota’s defense has also allowed only 23 total points across its two preseason contests.

That creates the profile of a low-scoring team.

Denver should rebound defensively after giving up significant production against Green Bay.

Sean Payton also has little reason to expose his offense to unnecessary risk in the preseason finale.

The Broncos can focus on evaluation rather than running an aggressive regular-season game plan.

That should limit explosive plays.

A relatively conservative offensive approach, combined with Minnesota’s scoring struggles, makes Under 37.5 a reasonable secondary wager.

Vikings vs Broncos Injuries

Denver Broncos

No major injuries were reported in the provided matchup information.

Minnesota Vikings

No major injuries were reported in the provided matchup information.

Even when no significant injuries are reported, bettors should check the latest inactive list before kickoff.

Preseason teams frequently rest players at the last minute, particularly veterans who have already secured roster positions.

How to Watch Vikings vs Broncos

Information | Details
Location | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Date | Friday, August 28, 2026
Kickoff | 9:00 PM ET
TV | NFL Network

The game is scheduled for a 9:00 PM ET kickoff.

Because it is the preseason finale, the primary focus should be on quarterback rotations, roster battles and how much playing time each team’s important depth players receive.

Vikings vs Broncos Follow-Up Questions

Who Is Favored in Vikings vs Broncos?

The Denver Broncos are 3.5-point home favorites.

What Is the Vikings vs Broncos Total?

The total is approximately 37.5 points.

Who Will Win Vikings vs Broncos?

Denver is the preferred side and is projected to win at home.

Why Are the Broncos Favored?

Denver has greater roster continuity, more depth and home-field advantage.

Who Is Denver’s Backup Quarterback?

Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the QB2 position.

Who Is Minnesota’s Backup Quarterback?

J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz are competing for Minnesota’s backup quarterback role.

How Many Points Has Minnesota Scored?

The Vikings have scored just 16 points across their first two preseason games.

How Many Points Has Minnesota Allowed?

Minnesota’s defense has allowed 23 points across its first two preseason games.

Is the Vikings vs Broncos Under a Good Bet?

Yes. Under 37.5 is a reasonable secondary play based on Minnesota’s offensive struggles and the expected conservative approach.

What Is the Best Vikings vs Broncos Bet?

The best bet is Denver Broncos -3.5.

Vikings vs Broncos FAQ

1. Who will win Vikings vs Broncos?

The Denver Broncos are the preferred winner in Friday night’s preseason finale.

2. What is the Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction?

The Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction favors Denver Broncos -3.5 because of Denver’s roster continuity, depth, home-field advantage and Minnesota’s offensive struggles.

3. What is the Vikings vs Broncos spread?

Denver is currently a 3.5-point favorite.

4. What is the Vikings vs Broncos over/under?

The game total is approximately 37.5 points.

5. Why should you bet Denver against Minnesota?

Denver has more roster continuity and depth, while Minnesota is still working through its quarterback situation and integrating several young players.

6. Is J.J. McCarthy playing?

McCarthy is part of Minnesota’s quarterback situation, but his exact workload should be confirmed before betting player props.

7. Who is competing for Denver’s QB2 job?

Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for Denver’s backup quarterback position.

8. How many points has Minnesota scored this preseason?

The Vikings have scored 16 points in two preseason games.

9. Should you bet Vikings vs Broncos Under 37.5?

The Under is a reasonable secondary wager because Minnesota has struggled offensively and both teams are expected to rely heavily on backups.

10. What is the best bet for Vikings vs Broncos?

The best bet is Denver Broncos -3.5.

Final Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction

The Vikings vs Broncos Preseason Betting Prediction points toward Denver in Friday night’s preseason finale.

The Broncos have the more stable roster.

They have the more established system.

They have greater continuity.

And they’re playing at home.

Those factors are particularly important because the majority of the game should be played by backups.

Denver is bringing back 20 of 22 starters from its AFC Championship team and re-signed 17 key free agents.

That continuity extends beyond the starting lineup.

It gives the Broncos’ backups an established environment in which to operate.

Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the QB2 job, meaning both players have a legitimate reason to play well.

The running back competition provides another layer of motivation, with Audric Estimé, Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson competing for backup opportunities.

Minnesota has its own quarterback competition, but the Vikings remain in a period of transition.

J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz are competing for the backup position, while Minnesota could potentially have five rookies contributing once the regular season begins.

That lack of continuity matters.

Denver’s backups are more likely to understand their assignments, communicate effectively and execute Sean Payton’s system without the same level of adjustment.

The recent scoring numbers also favor the Broncos.

Minnesota has scored only 16 points in two preseason games.

The Vikings’ defense has performed much better, allowing just 23 points, but that creates an even stronger case for a lower-scoring game.

Denver should be able to rebound defensively after getting beaten by Green Bay, and the Broncos have little incentive to expose their offense with an aggressive game plan.

The total of 37.5 therefore deserves an Under lean.

But the spread remains the stronger play.

Denver is only laying 3.5 points at home.

The Broncos don’t need to dominate.

They need to win by four.

Given the difference in roster continuity, quarterback familiarity, depth and home-field conditions, that is a reasonable expectation.

For bettors using YouWager.lv, Denver -3.5 is the side that best matches the preseason matchup.

The Pick: Denver Broncos -3.5

Best Bet: Denver Broncos -3.5

Secondary Bet: Under 37.5

Prediction: Denver’s depth and continuity allow the Broncos to control the game and win by at least four points at Mile High.