While both, the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings will enter the 2018 regular season with a new look thanks to their new starting quarterbacks, only one team has some legitimate Super Bowl hopes.
In Denver, where, ironically, former Vikings starter Case Keenum, assumes the starting job under center, the Broncos are hoping to get back to being respectable after going an uninspiring 5-11 in 2017. For Minnesota however, it’s Super Bowl or bust after the Vikes came up one game short of reaching Super Bowl 53.
If you’re looking for some good NFL betting odds value as the 2018 scrimmage season approaches, then let’s get to my expert pick on this NFL Preseason Week 1 matchup between the Broncos and Vikings.
Vikings at Broncos 2018 NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds
When: Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 9:00 PM ET Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Colorado NFL Odds: Denver -1 / Total: 34.5
Why Bet on the Minnesota Vikings?
Why should you bet on the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 1 preseason opener? The best reason is because head coach Mike Zimmer loves to win in the preseason as indicated by his glistening 14-3 career mark in the scrimmage season. Not only that, but the Vikes also have an excellent defensive scheme and a good backup quarterback in veteran Trevor Siemian, who will be motivated to play well after joining the team this past offseason. Minnesota went 2-2 last preseason after winning four games in each of the three previous scrimmage campaigns, so Zimmer probably wants to get back to being a bit more successful in the preseason.
Why Bet on the Denver Broncos?
Why should you bet on the Denver Broncos in their Week 1 preseason opener? The best reason to bet on the Broncos in this contest is that head coach Vance Joseph went 4-0 in his debut preseason campaign a year ago, so clearly, he likes to win games during the scrimmage season. Denver also has a solid situation at backup quarterback where former first round draft pick Paxton Lynch still wants to impress the Denver brass and prove his worth. More importantly, Lynch will be pushed by former Ole Miss signal-caller Chad Kelly.
Vikings at Broncos Expert NFL Betting Analysis and Prediction
I think Denver will be going all out to get the win in this one, but the Vikings are the pick for me, seeing as how I expect their defense to play at a high level no matter who’s on the field while Trevor Siemian looks to give the Broncos a little payback for jettisoning him and not Paxton Lynch. Minnesota wins outright to cover the chalk as a slight road underdog.
NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Minnesota Vikings +1
