FanPost

Madden Predictions, Minnesota Week

After a solid overall performance in Detroit, the Denver Broncos are sitting pretty atop the AFC West with a record of 3-0. The offense looked much improved with the use of the pistol formation, although the continued lack of production in the running game has many fans concerned yet. Regardless, the defense continues to play in dominating fashion and the special teams is not the Achilles heel that so many (including myself) were afraid it was going to be.

I have never been more glad to have been wrong in a prediction than I was this last week. After my play though of the game was lost in a blowout, all I could do was hope that the Broncos did better than I did. Fortunately, they did and we remain undefeated in this young season. While the play through from last week was laughably inaccurate, the simulations proved much closer to actual events. So technically, Madden is still perfect on the season with predictions. Let's see what Madden says about Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos 66, Minnesota Vikings 3

In a full reversal from last week, this game was a runaway blowout for the Broncos. After Minnesota scored a field goal on the opening possession of the game, the contest was never really in doubt.

Following the Vikings' opening drive score, the Broncos drove quickly down the field, finishing their drive with a touchdown pass from Manning to Demaryius Thomas. After the ensuing kickoff, the defense made its presence felt by forcing a 3 & out. On the second drive, C.J. Anderson took over, running the ball with authority and scoring on a 10 yard touchdown run.

This was the point where the defense really put its stamp on the game and turned it into a blowout. Following Anderson's touchdown, Aqib Talib intercepted Bridgewater on the second play of Minnesota's next drive, returning it for a touchdown. That was not enough for Talib however, and on the very next play from scrimage, Talib again intercepted Bridgewater and returned it for yet another score. The first quarter ended with the score Denver 28, Minnesota 3.

The Broncos never looked back and just kept piling it on. Manning would throw 2 more TDs in the first half and lead a 2 minute drive which ended in a field goal as time expired in the second quarter, giving Denver a commanding 45 -3 halftime lead. Manning sat the entire second half, with Brock Osweiler taking over and throwing for a touchdown himself. C.J. Anderson continued to dominate, scoring two more touchdowns on the ground before the game was over.

Relevant Stats:

Passing: Denver - P. Manning - 20/25, 310 yards, 3 TDs

B. Osweiler - 8/9, 104 yards, 1 TD

Minnesota - T. Bridgewater - 12/29, 166 yards, 3 INTs

Rushing: Denver - C.J. Anderson - 25 Atts, 220 yards, 3 TDs

Minnesota - A. Peterson - 9 Atts, 34 yards

Receiving: Denver - D. Thomas - 12 RECs, 233 yards, 2 TDs

E. Sanders - 11 RECs, 122 yards, 1 TD

Minnesota - M. Wallace - 5 RECs, 48 yards

C. Patterson - 2 RECs, 24 yards

Defense: Denver - V. Miller - 7 TCKLs, 2 SACKs

A. Talib - 3 TCKLs, 2 INTs, 2 TDs

Minnesota - R. Blanton - 11 TCKLs, 1 TFL

C. Greenway - 6 TCKLs, 1 TFL

Specialists: Denver - B. McManus - 2 FGA, 1 FGM, 47 yards

Minnesota - J. Locke - 8 punts, 338 yards

Simulation Results:

Thus far this season, Madden has been very consistent in giving the Broncos 3 simulation wins out of 5 tries. This week turned out to be no different.

Simulation 1: Minnesota 21, Denver 20

Simulation 2: Denver 16, Minnesota 9

Simulation 3: Minnesota 20, Denver 13

Simulation 4: Denver 27, Minnesota 24

Simulation 5: Denver 30, Minnesota 6

Simulation average: Denver 21, Minnesota 16

Total average: Denver 29, Minnesota 14

There you have it, folks. Madden has spoken. Once again, our beloved Broncos will walk away with a victory! For this week, I actually think that the total average is probably going to be the closest to what actually happens. The offense seems to be getting things figured out and the defense has continued to terrorize opposing QBs. I expect us to win if not in a blowout, at least comfortably.

GO BRONCOS!!!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.