Denver Broncos
The Broncos are hosting the up-and-coming Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 and are favored to win by a 4.5 points at home. And, while Denver would seem to be the overwhelming favorite for good reason, the Broncos do have a flaw that Minnesota can exploit.
The Vikings feature a dynamic defense that is sound in all three stages. The defensive line is adept at getting pressure on opposing passers — No. 4-ranked team via Pro Football Focus (subscription required) — which doesn’t bode well for Peyton Manning, who has already taken some big licks this season playing behind a porous offensive line. If Anthony Barr and Co. can continue to dominate up front, then Manning, who has been known to turn the ball over under pressure, could falter.
Another reason to believe the Vikings have a chance to win is, quite simply, Adrian Peterson, who is most certainly “back.”
“All Day” has been phenomenal since Week 1, rushing for 260 yards and two touchdowns the past couple of weeks. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner will use Peterson as a battering ram against Denver’s vaunted defense to give second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater a chance to make big plays downfield on play-action passes.
Many have predicted the Vikings would become a contender this year. This is the contest that propels them into that realm.