Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos: Prediction, Odds, Depth Charts (11/19/23)
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Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos kicks off this Sunday (11/19/23) at 8:20pm EST in Denver Colorado as a home game for the Broncos. Get Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos predictions and best bets below as our best bet is on the over 41.5 as points should come at a faster pace than anticipated.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Prediction & Best Bet
It’s a battle of two of the hottest teams in football as the Vikings found new life with the acquisition of Joshua Dobbs at the trade deadline while the Denver Broncos round into competitive form. A shocking sight to see as both of these teams at one point were deemed done for, now both looking like they can actually make a run for one of the wildcard spots in each other’s conference let alone the Vikings compete for their division title.
As for what will happen when these red-hot teams meet? Expect plenty of points up on the board. Especially with the Vikings proving that they can hold their own with a new regime under center as Joshua Dobbs brings a dual threat ability to the Vikings offense. His aggressiveness to hit the open field with his legs have put pressure on opposing linebacking units, forcing them to make a decision whether they want to stay in coverage or crash down on the nimble Dobbs.
Crashing down on a scrambling Dobbs has proven to be dangerous as that creates gaps in coverage for the likes of Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson to exploit. This type of scheme may be too much for the Broncos to consistently stop as they have been a struggling unit at this point of the season. Generating pressure has been an issue for the front seven, ranking 32nd in Pressure Rate. This gives opposing quarterbacks plenty of clean pockets to work with, as well as running lanes for them to scramble out of for chunks of yardage at a time.
As for the Broncos offense, expect more of the same as Russell Wilson continues to put together a good season with both his arm and legs. His elite scrambling ability will give a thin Vikings secondary fits as he maneuvers out of the blitz and gets an open field to work with. Especially with the Vikings front seven also struggling to generate pressure with their blitz scheme, leaving their middle exposed for high quality throws across the middle.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Prediction & Best Bet: Over 41.5
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Betting Odds
It almost seems crazy to see the Broncos be a favorite over anyone after the way they started the season. That said, they enter this game as -2.5 point favorite. Bettors believe that number is about right, keeping the spread the same since the opener in some shops while others have dipped to +2. They have the offense to keep within scoring pace, as well as a defense that has played far better than what their current metrics suggest.
As for the total, points are expected to be scored at a below average pace as oddsmakers opened the number at 41.5. Bettors believe that number opened too low, backing the over up to as high as 42.5 in some shops. This total weirdly varies between sportsbooks as of writing, sitting anywhere from 41.5 to 43 as of writing.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Key Injuries
Both teams come into this contest fairly healthy, but it is worth monitoring the status of TJ Hockenson as he is currently listed as questionable on the Vikings injury report.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Key Matchups
Can Javonte Williams continue to produce against the Vikings front seven?
Javonte Williams Vs. Vikings Front Seven
It wasn’t an easy start to the season for Javonte Williams while he was knocked out for a bit with an injury, but he has looked as crisp as ever upon his return. In his most recent outing, he rushed for 79 yards while hauling in four receptions for another 31 yards and one touchdown.
Javonte Williams TD. Broncos take the lead #NFL #DENvsBUF
pic.twitter.com/6rpCPlaXd9— McArthurKnowsBall 🏀 🏈 (@McArthurA13) November 14, 2023
His production will be vital for the Broncos offensive success as he will be the direct recipient for dump offs against the Vikings blitz. Should he punish the Vikings second level for crashing down, this may slow down the Vikings blitz rate and force them to anchor in coverage. This then opens the door for more rushing opportunities, giving the Broncos a blanched attack and keeping the Vikings defense constantly guessing.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Joshua Dobbs
RB1: Alexander Mattison
RB2: TY Chandler
LWR: Brandon Powell
RWR: Jordan Addison
SWR: KJ Osborn
TE1: TJ Hockenson
Denver Broncos Depth Chart
QB: Russell Wilson
RB1: Javonte Williams
RB2: Jaleel McLaughlin
LWR: Jerry Jeudy
RWR: Courtland Sutton
SWR: Marvin Mims Jr
TE1: Adam Trautman
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