Vikings vs. Broncos Live Score Updates — Preseason Week 1

Follow along for updates on the Vikings' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Vikings are set to kick off their three-game 2021 preseason slate against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium this afternoon.

After facing off in joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday this week, the two teams will face off in a real game setting. It doesn't count in the standings, but this is far from a meaningless game for the young players who will be in action, many of whom are making their NFL or Vikings debuts.

It'll be almost entirely young players and backups for the Vikings today. Here's the list of 30 players who the team announced will be inactive.

The Vikings' available quarterbacks are Jake Browning, Kellen Mond, and Danny Etling.

It's worth noting that Cameron Dantzler and Dakota Dozier playing in this game — while Bashaud Breeland and Oli Udoh sit — tells us who's in the lead in those battles for starting spots at cornerback and right guard.

Drew Lock will start at quarterback for the Broncos.

Because this is one of only three preseason games for the Vikings, it'll be a very important time for evaluation for the coaches and front office. Young players and others on the roster bubble can improve their odds to make the team or see playing time in the regular season by standing out in this game.

If you can't watch, follow along with our live updates below. Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter for updates and commentary from inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Football season is back!

Final Score: Broncos 33, Vikings 6

Fourth Quarter

Nothing of note has happened in this quarter. It's still 33 to 6.

Third Quarter

2:09 — The Vikings once again come up short in the low red zone. Whop Philyor can't complete the process of a catch in the end zone on fourth down, and the Broncos get the ball back.

Broncos 33, Vikings 6

10:30 — The Broncos get good field position with a 62-yard kick return to start the second half, and capitalize with another Trinity Benson touchdown catch. 

Halftime: Broncos 26, Vikings 6

Second Quarter

0:00 — The Vikings get another field goal before the half from Greg Joseph. Kellen Mond picked up 39 yards on two completions and a scramble, but couldn't get it in the end zone. Some weird clock management at the end of that drive.

Broncos 26, Vikings 3

2:49 — The Broncos tack on a field goal. Teddy Bridgewater ran for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a penalty.

9:04 — This continues to go quite poorly for the Vikings, albeit with their backups facing a lot of Denver starters. Kellen Mond's first series at QB went backwards thanks to a holding penalty and a three-yard loss on a run. Mond was 0 for 2.

Broncos 23, Vikings 3

11:49 — Jake Browning throws a pick-six to Patrick Surtain II. Really bad throw. One play earlier, the offensive line gave up a sack. This is going very poorly for Minnesota.

Broncos 16, Vikings 3

12:59 — The Vikings' backups are not having a good time today. That was an easy 10-play, 85-yard drive for a Broncos touchdown. A Stephen Weatherly offsides call prolonged the drive early on, a big play by Jerry Jeudy got the ball into the end zone, and Trinity Benson gets the touchdown catch. The Vikings are getting out-gained 227 to 54.

First Quarter

Broncos 9, Vikings 3

3:17 — Vikings get on the board with a field goal. Zach Davidson had a chance at a touchdown catch but couldn't haul it in. The big play of the drive was an iffy pass interference call on Michael Ojemudia covering Brandon Dillon.

Broncos 9, Vikings 0

8:28 — Cameron Dantzler gets burned by KJ Hamler for an 80-yard touchdown. Camryn Bynum might've messed up by not being over the top, but that's a bad look for Dantzler, who is already behind Bashaud Breeland on the depth chart.

Broncos 2, Vikings 0

8:53 — On third down, Dakota Dozier is called for holding in the end zone. Awful, awful start for the Vikings' second-string offense. 6 plays, 8 yards, and two points for the other team.

9:57 — Kris Boyd makes a great play in the end zone to break up a pass intended for Jerry Jeudy on 4th and 2, forcing a turnover on downs to end a long Broncos drive. The Vikings received the opening kickoff and went three and out.