Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos: NFL Preseason Week 1 Bold Predictions

1. Vikings tally six sacks in blowout win

Last preseason, the Vikings’ highest sack total in a single game was three. This year, they’re going to double that in Week 1.

Seems pretty bold, right? On the surface, it absolutely is. The Broncos have a decent group of backup offensive linemen who shouldn’t have too much trouble keeping Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly upright. However, upon further review, it’s hard to ignore the sleeper potential of the Vikings’ second- and third-string defensive linemen.

Let’s look at a few of the names we may see on Saturday night: Tashawn Bower, Jaleel Johnson, Stephen Weatherly, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, Ade Aruna. None of them may strike much fear in you now, but all offer the potential to have breakout seasons as depth along the Minnesota defensive line. Each’s individual campaign for such a role starts this weekend.

That’ll mean bad things for the Broncos’ backup quarterbacks. All day long, expect the Vikings’ gaggle of young defensive linemen to wreak havoc in the Denver backfield. Although Lindsay will get some good looks and make a couple of big plays, his quarterbacks won’t have as much luck. When all is said and done, the Vikings will have six sacks to take with them back to Minnesota.

I won’t speculate on who gets the sacks, but I’m guessing they’ll be spread out among a few of the aforementioned names. Maybe the starters will get one or two as well. Either way, it’ll help the Vikings secure a Week 1 win and a big morale boost as we work our way through August.