Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos Picks and Prediction for Friday August 28, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings travel to Denver to face the Denver Broncos on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET, with the game airing on NFL Network and locally on FOX 9 in Minnesota. Both teams enter their preseason finale at 1-1. Denver is currently a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 39.5. Get ready for all the NFL action with our free NFL picks.

Vikings Look to Rebound From Baltimore Loss

Minnesota opened the preseason with a 13-10 victory over the New York Giants before taking a step backward in a 13-3 loss to Baltimore. The Vikings therefore enter the finale having scored only 16 points through their first two preseason games, while their defense has allowed just 23.

The quarterback rotation will be important Friday. J.J. McCarthy is listed as questionable after dealing with an undisclosed issue, although he participated in Monday's practice. With the regular season approaching, Minnesota has little reason to take unnecessary chances with its starting quarterback in an exhibition game.

That puts more responsibility on Minnesota's reserves, with Max Brosmer among the quarterbacks who could receive meaningful work. The Vikings haven't generated much offense this preseason, but their defense has consistently kept them competitive. That makes getting six points more attractive than Minnesota's 1-1 record might initially suggest.

Broncos Return Home for Preseason Finale

Denver also enters the finale at 1-1. The Broncos opened their preseason with an impressive 27-7 victory over Atlanta before suffering a 33-13 loss to Green Bay in their second game. That leaves Denver with a much wider range of performances than Minnesota through two games.

The Broncos have been cautious with Bo Nix, resting him along with numerous established players in their preseason opener. With the regular season close, Denver again has little incentive to give its most important players extensive action Friday night.

That could leave Jarrett Stidham handling an important portion of the quarterback work. Denver has the stronger offensive ceiling based on what we've seen this preseason, but laying six points becomes less appealing when much of the game could be decided by backups and players fighting for the final roster positions.

Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos Picks and Prediction

Pick: Minnesota Vikings +6

Minnesota +6 is the side pick. Denver deserves to be favored at home, but six points is a substantial number for a preseason finale in which playing time for established starters should be limited. Minnesota has allowed only 23 points through two games, and that defense gives the Vikings a reasonable chance to keep this within one possession. Take the Minnesota Vikings +6.

Pick: Under 39.5

The under is the stronger total play. Minnesota's two preseason games have finished with combined scores of 23 and 16 points, while the Vikings have scored only 16 points themselves. Denver has shown more offensive potential, but the expected reliance on reserves should reduce the likelihood of the Broncos maintaining consistent scoring throughout four quarters. Take Under 39.5.

Projected Score: Denver Broncos 20, Minnesota Vikings 17.