Denver Broncos vs Minnesota Vikings

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Two recently successful teams clash in a cross-conference showdown in Denver. The Minnesota Vikings hit the road to face the Denver Broncos for a Sunday Night Football clash. Minnesota extended their winning streak to five games by triumphing 27-19 against the Saints at home last week, managing to win as underdogs with a three-point spread. Meanwhile, Denver secured a notable 24-22 victory on Monday Night Football against the Bills away from home, defying odds as 7.5-point underdogs in their previous game. In their historical regular-season matchups, the Vikings slightly lead with an 8-7 record, having clinched a 27-23 home win in their last meeting on November 17, 2019.

Despite grappling with key injuries, Minnesota continues their impressive run. Their recent win against the Saints marked their fifth consecutive victory, elevating their season record to 6-4, trailing the NFC North leaders, the Lions, by 1.5 games. Facing New Orleans, the Vikings found themselves tied at three after the opening quarter before dominating the third quarter with a 21-0 run, claiming a commanding 24-3 lead at halftime.

Although the Saints narrowed the gap to 27-3 in the third quarter, Minnesota clinched the win. They outperformed the Saints in total offense with a 388-280 yardage advantage, secured 23 first downs compared to 16, controlled possession for 33:06 against 26:54, and forced two turnovers while staying clear of any turnovers themselves.

Statistically, the Vikings rank 3rd in passing offense, averaging 272.4 yards per game through the air, but sit at 29th in rushing offense, managing 85.7 yards per contest on the ground. Scoring-wise, they hold the 12th spot, averaging 23.3 points per game this season. Defensively, their rank has improved to 14th in scoring defense, allowing 20.9 points per contest. Kirk Cousins remains pivotal for the Vikings’ offense, boasting 2,331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 216 completions out of 311 attempts. Despite being sacked 17 times, he's managed 25 rushing yards this season.

Additionally, the team acquired Joshua Dobbs from Arizona, where he's contributed 43 completions out of 64 attempts for 426 yards, along with three passing touchdowns and 110 rushing yards, including two scores. Alexander Mattison leads their ground game with 461 yards on 130 carries. Justin Jefferson stands third in the receiving department, securing 36 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn have all surpassed the 300-yard receiving mark this season. Kicker Greg Joseph holds a 24 of 26 record on extra points and a 15 of 20 record on field goals this season, boasting a long of 54 yards.

On the injury front, Cousins sustained an Achilles injury against the Packers on October 29, ruling him out for the season. Cornerback Akayleb Evans (calf) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) was absent on Wednesday and limited on Thursday. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring), quarterback Nick Mullens (back), tight end T.J. Hockenson (ribs), and linebacker Brian Asamoah II (ankle) were limited in practice on both days. Keep an eye out for updated statuses ahead of kickoff.

Denver had ample chances to secure a convincing win against Buffalo on Monday Night Football but couldn't fully capitalize. They ultimately clinched victory with a last-second field goal, seizing a second opportunity created by a mistake on the Bills' part with 12 men on the field during a missed attempt. This win propelled the Broncos to a 4-5 record for the season, placing them tied for third in the AFC West.

During the game against Buffalo, Denver took a 3-0 lead after the first quarter, expanded it to 15-8 by halftime, found themselves tied at 15 after three quarters, surged ahead 21-15 with 5:06 left, and then trailed 22-21 with 1:55 remaining. In a dramatic conclusion, the Broncos marched 57 yards in 10 plays, culminating in a 36-yard field goal by Wil Lutz as time expired, securing the win. Despite being outgained in total offense (369-300), Denver controlled the clock (37:21 to 22:39), won the first down battle (19-18), and forced four turnovers while committing only one.

Analyzing their overall performance, the Broncos currently rank 28th in passing offense, averaging 184.6 yards per game, and stand 12th in rushing offense, averaging 117.3 yards per contest. Their scoring offense ranks 15th with an average of 21.8 points per game, while their scoring defense sits at 32nd, allowing an average of 27.6 points per contest.

Russell Wilson leads the team's passing game, completing 178 of 262 passes for 1,806 yards with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. Javonte Williams leads the rushing attack with 111 carries for 436 yards this season, supported by Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin. Courtland Sutton leads in receiving with 41 receptions for 433 yards and seven scores, while other players like Perine, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims Jr., and Brandon Johnson contribute significantly.

Kicker Wil Lutz has been efficient, making 15 of 17 extra points and 17 of 19 field goal attempts this season, with a long of 52 yards.

In terms of injuries, Safety P.J. Locke and guard Ben Powers missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to ankle and foot issues, respectively. Additionally, Jerry Jeudy was added to the injury report on Thursday with a hip concern and was limited in practice. Keeping an eye on updates about their conditions leading up to the game will be crucial.