Vikings vs Broncos Game Analysis and Preview
The Vikings visit the Broncos in mile-high Denver for the final preseason game of 2026, taking place Friday, August 28 at 9:00 pm EST with us at PayPerHead.
Vikings’ backup QBs J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz will likely play most of this game to battle for the backup position behind starter Kyler Murray. McCarthy is listed as questionable, though for an undisclosed reason, an assumed injury.
The Broncos’ offensive line has two centers with injuries and lost their third center for the season. Emergency center Calvin Throckmorton has been a surprise stand-in.
Minnesota Vikings Recent Updates: Good Offense
The Vikings had a stellar 2024, winning 14 games to finish second to the Lions in the NFC North and advancing to a wild-card position in the playoffs. They couldn’t maintain that level in 2025, finishing with a 9-8 record, in third place, out of the playoffs. At least they won their final five games to secure a winning record.
The Vikings beat the New York Giants in Week 1 of the preseason in a low-scoring 13-10 final. Carson Wentz put up 81 yards and a score, completing 9-of-14 passes.
In Week 2, the Ravens kept the Vikings to only 3 points in another low-scoring 13-3 final. Wentz had 92 yards with 9-of-11 passing. Zavier Scott led with 28 rushing yards on seven carries, and rookie wide receiver Tai Felton went 66 yards on three catches.
Denver Broncos Recent Updates: Revenge on Buffalo
The Broncos finished with a 10-7 record in 2024, making it to the playoffs as a wild card, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-7. In 2025, they were the AFC West champions with a 14-3 record. This time, they beat the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, 33-30, but lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, 7-10.
They fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi soon after that low-scoring loss.
The Broncos beat the Falcons 27-7 in Week 1 of the preseason. In Week 2, the Packers won against the Broncos 33-13 in an equally lopsided game. Bo Nix took snaps and went 6-of-9 for 76 yards and a score.
Vikings vs Broncos History and Last Results: Close Encounters
These teams have met 16 times in their rivalry since 1972, with each team winning 8. In the last five meetings, the Broncos have won four, the last time in November of 2023, when Denver won 21-20. Each of their last six games finished within a close 4-point spread.
Vikings vs Broncos Prediction: More Offense
Denver will look to provide a more complete performance in Week 3, on both sides of the ball to even out the first two games.
Both teams have a 1-1 record so far, with the Vikings averaging only 8 points per game and the Broncos averaging 20. Minnesota’s offense is clearly struggling in the preseason, unable to find their rhythm, which the Broncos’ defense will prey upon.
If Denver’s defense does its job and the offense continues what they’ve been doing in the first two weeks, they should have no problem beating the Vikings in this one.
Our Vikings vs Broncos prediction is a 22-12 win for the Broncos. Remember that you can follow us on our social media accounts to stay tuned for this NFL season.
