Getty Images

The 2021 NFL preseason gets heated up with 10 contests on Saturday. One intriguing Week 1 preseason matchup arrives in the afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings welcome the Denver Broncos to town for a cross-conference battle. The game is also the exhibition opener for both teams in 2021. For Denver, finding a quarterback will be a huge storyline. Minnesota, meanwhile, returns many of its key pieces on offense, but needs to take a step forward everywhere after a disappointing 7-9 campaign in 2020. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. Denver is listed as the 2.5-point favorite in the latest Vikings vs. Broncos odds from Caesars Spotsbook. The point total, or over-under, is listed at 34.5. Before finalizing any Broncos vs. Vikings picks or NFL predictions, make sure you check out what SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has to say.

CBS Sports' Fantasy and gambling editor, White ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It's no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world's most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. 

In addition, White has gone an astounding 37-14-3 on his last 54 picks involving Minnesota, returning more than $2,100. Anyone who has followed him is way up.

Now, White has set his sights on Broncos vs. Vikings and just revealed his expert picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Now, here are several NFL odds and betting trends for Vikings vs. Broncos: 

  • Broncos vs. Vikings spread: Broncos -2.5
  • Broncos vs. Vikings over-under: 34.5 points 
  • Broncos vs. Vikings money line: Broncos -145, Vikings +125
  • DEN: Broncos were 9-7 against the spread last season 
  • MIN: Vikings were 6-10 against the spread in 2020

Why the Broncos can cover

Denver has several things going in its direction in this game. For one, the Broncos have more to evaluate offensively, including two players vying for the starting quarterback job. It is fair to project that neither Drew Lock nor Teddy Bridgewater will play the entire game, but having two quality quarterback options can be an advantage in a preseason game. Also, the Vikings may not play their starters much, and depth isn't a strength for Minnesota. 

Head coach Mike Zimmer recently said that there are some starters that "probably don't need much" in the way of playing time. Even if Minnesota elects to deploy its best players a bit more, Denver's defense should be ready under Vic Fangio's guidance. 

Why the Vikings can cover

The starters aren't expected to see extended work. However, there are some position battles to evaluate for Minnesota, which could lead to increased usage for certain pieces. The Vikings are also loaded at running back, with Alexander Mattison providing real depth behind the starter in Dalvin Cook and fourth-round pick Kene Nwangwu aiming to leave his mark. 

Beyond the players on the field, Minnesota backers can take solace in head coach Mike Zimmer's presence as a potential X-factor. Zimmer is 7-0 in preseason openers as the head coach of the Vikings and, in an overall sense, Minnesota is an amazing 20-5 in exhibition games since he took over the reins. 

How to make Broncos vs. Vikings picks

White has analyzed this matchup in depth and while we can tell you he's leaning over for the point total, he has discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He's only sharing that Broncos vs. Vikings pick and the rest of his expert NFL analysis at SportsLine.

So who wins Broncos vs. Vikings? And which critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see R.J. White's Broncos vs. Vikings pick and analysis, all from the NFL expert who's 37-14-3 on picks involving Minnesota, and find out.