NFL Preseason Week 1: Broncos vs Vikings Bets, Suggestions, and Forecasts
The NFL preseason is upon us, and on August 14th, the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings will square off in a highly-anticipated matchup. The game, scheduled for 4 pm ET, will be televised nationally on the NFL Network.
As of now, the moneyline odds for the game at DraftKings favour the Broncos (-145) over the Vikings (125). Interestingly, 86% of the moneyline bets are currently on Denver, indicating a strong public sentiment towards the Broncos.
The Broncos' roster has been turning heads in training camp, with standout performances from rookies Patrick Surtain and Javonte Williams. Surtain and Williams might already be the best players on the Broncos' roster at their respective positions. At the wide receiver position, both Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton are dynamic playmakers, while Noah Fant is a blossoming tight end. The starting quarterback for the Broncos in 2021 was Teddy Bridgewater, not Sam Ehlinger, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 and joined the Broncos in 2025. Drew Lock will start at QB for the Broncos in this game.
The Vikings, on the other hand, will be without their first-round pick, Christian Darrisaw, due to groin surgery, and stud pass rusher Danielle Hunter is unlikely to play. The Vikings' offensive line is a major concern heading into the season, with their best pass blocker, Riley Reiff, no longer on the team. Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is reportedly looking phenomenal in training camp but is unsure if he will play against the Broncos. The Vikings will also be without stud wideout Justin Jefferson, who suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.
The Broncos' defense, led by Vic Fangio, is among the best pass rushing units in the league and excelled versus the Minnesota Vikings in practice this week. It's doubtful that Von Miller or Bradley Chubb will play in the preseason game.
The spread for the game is Denver -2.5 (-115) and Minnesota 2.5 (-105). The total for the game is 34.5, with odds of O 34.5 (-105) and U 34.5 (-115). Jake Browning, an undrafted QB out of Washington, is likely to be next in line for the Vikings after impressing in training camp. Browning has faced the Denver Broncos' defense before and has gone 4-for-4 with a touchdown in one of those outings.
The game features a total of 34.5 points, with the Broncos as 2.5-point road favourites. With several key players on both teams set to miss the preseason game, fans will be eager to see how the Broncos' first and second round picks, Patrick Surtain and Javonte Williams, perform in their first official NFL action.
