10 facts you may not know about the Vikings and Broncos

In episode 49 of the Broncos & Bratwurst podcast above, we talk a little about the QB situation but since it seems clear that Brandon Allen is the stand-in for the next few weeks and Drew Lock will take the reins for the rest of the season, we will write instead about the Broncos matchup with the Vikings.

Minnesota is, without doubt, one of the most talented team in the NFL. They have a good QB, a great RB and a great pass rusher plus solid everything else. The Broncos have a good pass defense, a great WR, a good RB and....not sure about everything else.

Can the Broncos win in the frozen Northlands? Sure. “And that’s all I have to say ‘bout that.”

Here are ten facts you may not know about the Purple and Gold and the Orange and Blue.

5 things you may not know about the Minnesota Vikings:

#1. Danielle Hunter has 48.5 sacks through 4 ¹⁄₂ seasons (previous fact was fake news)

#2. The Viking mascot is named Viktor and he has his very own lore

#3. Stefon Diggs has four fumbles in 2019. Two more than the second most butterfingery WR.

#4. Dalvin Cook has more receptions (40) than JuJu Smith Schuster(36) and Davante Adams (39).

#5. Kirk Cousins is third in the NFL in Quarterback rating (Wilson, Mahomes) and third in average yard per pass (8.6)

5 things you may not know about the Denver Broncos:

#1 Joe Flacco was sacked 26 times in eight games this season, Cousins has been sacked 17 times in 10.

#2. Phillip Lindsay is averaging 4.9 yards per carry - the same as Dalvin Cook.

#3. Todd Davis and Justin Simmons are tied for the team-lead with 53 total tackles in 2019. Blake Martinez has 102.

#4. The Broncos’ first nine opponents have an overall record of 44-41 (thanks Packers). Their last seven opponents have an overall record of 38-28.

#5. In the years between John Elway and Peyton Manning (‘99 - 2012) the Broncos had nine QBs start at least two games. In the time between Manning and now (2016 - 2019) the Broncos have started six QBs at least twice.

Vic Fangio and company have had an extra week to prepare for the Vikings and it will give us a glimpse into what they can do with more than normal prep time. If Minnesota wins because they have the better talent, no issues. If they win because the Broncos seem unprepared or badly coached....big issues.

Go Broncos!