Vikings vs. Broncos: What's the Game Plan for Denver?

Though it hasn't been pretty, the Denver Broncos have managed to start the season 3-0. Now is when the team could really hit its stride and start a run of victories.

Standing in the way of that in Week 4 will be the Minnesota Vikings, who, at 2-1, appear to be one of the league's most improved teams.

This will be just the 14th time these two franchises have played in the regular season. Minnesota hasn't won in Denver since 1999. In that game, Gary Anderson kicked a field goal as time expired to lift the Vikings to a 23-20 victory.

So how might the Broncos attack the Vikings on both sides of the ball in this game? Let's have a look.

Offensive Game Plan

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Will the Broncos ever get the run game going this season? It's hard to imagine them reaching the Super Bowl if the running game remains as stagnant as it has been.

The offensive line is failing to open holes in the running game, but against Minnesota, the Broncos may finally find some success.

Minnesota comes into the game ranked No. 24 in the league against the run, allowing 119 yards per game on the ground. Because of that, the Broncos will try to establish a running attack to keep the offense balanced.

Don't look for the Broncos to have wild success running the ball, but look for them to grind out enough yardage on the ground to keep the Minnesota defense guessing.

Peyton Manning will have success attacking the Vikings through the air. Though Terence Newman has had a solid NFL career, he could become the target of many of Manning's throws.

If Newman lines up against Emmanuel Sanders, that is a matchup Manning could try to exploit.

As Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post reports, rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo will miss this game. Manning will need to be wary of that and plan on getting the ball out of his hands quickly.

Minnesota will be looking to put pressure on Manning, and against a weakened offensive line, the defense of Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer could have a field day.

Defensive Game Plan

Andy Clayton-King/Associated Press

It's easy to determine how the Broncos will approach this game defensively. It's clear that Minnesota will give the ball to Adrian Peterson as much as it can.

In the Vikings' lone loss this season, Peterson had just 10 carries. In the two wins, he carried the ball 49 times for 260 yards.

As a result, look for the Broncos to load the box with eight men at a time. Safety T.J. Ward will play close to the line of scrimmage, and linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall will be looking to stop the run first.

The Broncos have the NFL's No. 1 pass defense through three games, and they have plenty of confidence in the secondary. They likely won't be the least bit intimidated by Teddy Bridgewater throwing the ball, but if the Vikings are going to win this game, they'll have to do it through the air.

Bridgewater has tight end Kyle Rudolph, but he's not much of a deep threat. The Broncos will have to keep track of Charles Johnson and Mike Wallace, but with Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, that shouldn't be a problem.

Players and Matchups to Watch

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Ryan Harris: Ryan Harris will get the start at left tackle with Sambrailo out, and he will also draw defensive end Everson Griffen. The Minnesota sack artist will give Harris all he can handle, so look for the Broncos to use Evan Mathis to double-team Griffen frequently.

Darian Stewart: If the Broncos are able to slow down the Minnesota running game and get the Vikings into 3rd-and-long situations, look for safety Darian Stewart to make some plays on the ball. He has been a pleasant surprise this season with an interception and a fumble recovery through three games.

"

Darian Stewart needs to get more publicity, the dude has been a key acquisition to this defense and huge upgrade for #Broncos at FS

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) September 28, 2015"

Ronnie Hillman: It's hard to say if C.J. Anderson is just struggling or if the line he is running behind is just that bad. Either way, Ronnie Hillman has looked better with the opportunities he's been given, and head coach Gary Kubiak shouldn't hesitate to call his number, even if that means limiting Anderson's touches. 

Denver Linebackers vs. T.J. Clemmings: Whether it's Von Miller or DeMarcus Ware coming at him, rookie right tackle T.J. Clemmings will have his hands full keeping Denver away from his quarterback. Look for Wade Phillips to dial up pressure on Clemmings' side of the line all game.

"

T.J. Clemmings is probably having nightmares this week. Miller is soooo fast on the edge. pic.twitter.com/40m2PWMWfj

— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) September 30, 2015"

Prediction

The Broncos are the better team here, particularly with the game being played at Sports Authority Field. With that said, they can't afford to take the Vikings lightly. 

Minnesota can win by controlling the clock with Peterson running the ball. That will be easier said than done, however, as the Broncos should slow him down. Bridgewater will make some throws to keep the game close throughout the first half, but the Broncos will pull away in the fourth quarter after getting a two-score lead and then putting some serious pressure on Bridgewater, which will lead to multiple sacks.

Final Score: Broncos 27, Vikings 13