Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos: NFL Preseason Week 1 Bold Predictions
3. Kyle Sloter severely outplays Trevor Siemian
Don’t be fooled by the image above — Kyle Sloter is not a Bronco. Then again, neither is Trevor Siemian. Both used to play in Denver, but have since made the 1,000-mile voyage to the Twin Cities.
As it so happens, both will be vying for the backup quarterback gig behind the $84 million man. While both are more than capable of filling the role, something tells me Sloter is going to be the surprise star on Saturday night. It’s not like he hasn’t already proven himself as a capable preseason gunslinger.
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Last year, while he was still with the Broncos, Sloter lit it up during the preseason. In three appearances, he completed 72.1 percent of his passes for 413 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Denver ended up moving on from the undrafted quarterback, allowing the Vikings to scoop him up and sign him to the practice squad.
Meanwhile, Siemian came to Minneapolis via trade this past offseason. While he has starting experience (unlike Sloter), he’s far from a star under center. Originally, it looked like he could be the quarterback of the future in Denver. However, a rough 2017 campaign convinced the franchise to move on, replacing him with (what do you know?!) former Vikings starter Case Keenum.
Siemian and Sloter are both solid NFL quarterbacks, at least based on what we’ve seen so far. However, against their former team, it’ll be the latter who shines brightest. I’m thinking 150+ yards and a couple of touchdowns will give him the leg up in the race for the No. 2 role.