The Denver Broncos defeated the Minnesota Vikings 34-6 on Friday night, with Sam Ehlinger’s efficient three-touchdown passing performance powering a commanding preseason finale at Empower Field at Mile High.

Denver built control early, taking a 10-0 lead after the first quarter and carrying a 20-6 advantage into halftime. The Vikings kept the Broncos off the board in a scoreless third quarter, but Denver answered with 14 fourth-quarter points to turn a competitive preseason evaluation into a 28-point final margin.

The result moved Denver to 2-1 in the 2026 preseason, while Minnesota finished 1-2. With the regular season approaching, the Broncos left their home field with meaningful production from their passing game and a strong finish from the roster competing for roles.

Ehlinger Headlines Denver’s Passing Attack

Ehlinger was the clear standout for Denver, completing 15 of 20 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His 75 percent completion rate gave the Broncos offense a reliable rhythm, and his touchdown total accounted for the defining offensive story of the night.

Tight end Justin Joly delivered the biggest receiving splash. Joly caught two passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, an eye-catching average of 47.5 yards per reception. In a preseason setting where roster spots and situational roles are on the line, that kind of downfield production can carry considerable weight.

Denver’s first-half 20-point output set the tone. Minnesota scored its only six points in the second quarter, but could not sustain a comeback after halftime. The Broncos did not add points in the third quarter, yet their defense held the Vikings scoreless during that stretch before the offense closed with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Vikings Find a Bright Spot on the Ground

Minnesota’s most productive offensive contributor was Jermar Jefferson, who carried six times for 59 yards. That works out to 9.8 yards per carry and provided a notable positive for a Vikings offense that otherwise struggled to keep pace on the scoreboard.

The available game leaders did not list Minnesota’s passing leader or individual defensive totals, so the final score and quarter-by-quarter flow offer the clearest picture: Denver created separation early, avoided allowing a second-half rally, and finished with its strongest scoring quarter. No overtime was needed.

For the Broncos, the encouraging takeaway is the depth passing production behind Ehlinger and the ability to finish a game cleanly after an uneven third period. For the Vikings, Jefferson’s rushing efficiency is a building block, but the offense will seek more consistency as preseason shifts into regular-season preparation.

Key Performers

  • Sam Ehlinger, Broncos: 15/20, 233 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT.
  • Justin Joly, Broncos: 2 REC, 95 YDS, 1 TD.
  • Jermar Jefferson, Vikings: 6 CAR, 59 YDS.

NerdSports Stat: Denver scored 24 of its 34 points in the first and fourth quarters, using fast starts and strong finishes to separate from Minnesota.

Denver now turns its attention to a regular-season matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14, while Minnesota opens its schedule against the Green Bay Packers on September 13. Those games will bring division-race implications that go well beyond the preseason standings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs Denver Broncos game?

Denver Broncos defeated Minnesota Vikings 34-6 on August 28, 2026.

Who led the Denver Broncos in passing?

Sam Ehlinger threw for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Did the game go to overtime?

No, the Broncos won in regulation.

What are both teams’ records after this game?

Denver Broncos is now 2-1; Minnesota Vikings is 1-2.

When is Denver Broncos’ next game?

The Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5:15 PM PDT.