For the Broncos, starting quarterback Bo Nix is not expected to play, leaving Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger to handle quarterback duties for the entire game. Stidham is expected to serve as the backup quarterback. Even if Ehlinger receives the majority of the work against Minnesota, it could simply be Denver allowing him to audition for another team.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared that several players will be inactive for the game, noting that it remains undetermined who will start at quarterback among J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. O’Connell is hopeful McCarthy can get more reps, though he did not practice Wednesday due to an ankle issue suffered last weekend against Baltimore.

Vikings quarterback preseason performance

It has not been a good preseason for McCarthy, who has completed 52.9% of his passes—the lowest mark among the four Minnesota quarterbacks—for 115 yards.

Wentz, on the other hand, has been by far the most efficient quarterback over the last two games. He leads the team in completion rate (72%) and passing yards (173), while standing as the only quarterback on the squad to throw a touchdown.

Last season, McCarthy completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, adding 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns across 10 games. While he posted a 6-4 record on the season, he faced a ton of criticism for his performance earlier in the year.

Expectations for Denver’s quarterbacks

If Ehlinger does not end up on the active roster as the third-string quarterback, he will presumably be a top target for Denver’s practice squad. Following a disastrous showing in the NFL AFC Championship Game—where he was thrust into action after Nix broke his ankle in January—Stidham was a player many Broncos fans wanted to see replaced. The announcement that he would have to win a competition against Ehlinger to hold onto his job was met with excitement from Broncos Country.

However, if this ever was a one-on-one competition, Stidham likely ended those talks with a sharp performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason opener. He demonstrated terrific command of the offense, completing 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown pass.

How to watch Broncos vs Vikings in the USA

The Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason finale will be televised nationally on NFL Network. For viewers who prefer streaming, Fubo and NFL+ offers live coverage of nationally televised preseason games.

Can I watch Broncos vs Vikings for free?

Yes, eligible new Fubo subscribers can use its 5-day free trial to watch Broncos vs. Vikings. It offers a five-day trial, and its NFL Network page lists the channel as available through the service with a free-trial option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Denver and Minnesota are both using the matchup as the last major evaluation opportunity before the league’s roster cutdown deadline, with coaches needing to make decisions on players fighting for the final spots on the 53-man roster. Denver’s official site confirms that the game is the team’s preseason finale, just two days before the deadline.

For the Broncos, one of the biggest storylines is who can separate themselves in the depth chart. Head coach Sean Payton said Bo Nix probably will not play, meaning the quarterback workload should fall primarily to Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger.

Nix has only appeared in one preseason game, completing 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, so Denver is prioritizing his preparation for the regular season rather than exposing him to unnecessary preseason snaps.

Minnesota are approaching the game with a similar philosophy. The Vikings enter the finale after a 13-3 loss to Baltimore in which reserves received extensive playing time, and the organization has continued evaluating players across the roster rather than treating the preseason results as the primary objective.

What time is the Broncos vs Vikings match?

The Broncos vs. Vikings game kicks off on Friday, August 28, at 9:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, with the local kickoff set for 7:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
• Central Time: 8:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 6:00 PM

McCarthy’s future has become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Vikings. After losing the starting job, the former first-round pick could either remain in Minnesota as a valuable developmental asset or eventually become a trade piece if another team offers enough value.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are also entering a new era after Jesse Minter took over as head coach following John Harbaugh’s departure. Lamar Jackson remains the centerpiece of the franchise and enters another season with one clear objective: finally lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl.

Is Kyler Murray playing today for Vikings vs Ravens?

No. Kyler Murray will not play today for the Vikings against the Ravens. The decision was made by Kevin O’Connell after Murray was established as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.

Rather than exposing his QB1 to unnecessary preseason injury risk, O’Connell has opted to give him the day off as the regular season approaches. That means J.J. McCarthy will get the start against Baltimore, giving him another opportunity to show the Vikings what he can do after losing the starting competition to Murray.

For McCarthy, the preseason reps are particularly important because his performance could influence whether the Vikings continue developing him or eventually consider a trade.

Is Lamar Jackson playing today for Ravens vs Vikings?

No. Lamar Jackson will not play today for the Ravens against the Vikings. The decision is similar to Minnesota’s approach with Murray. Jesse Minter does not want to take unnecessary risks with his franchise quarterback during the preseason, especially with the regular season approaching and Jackson once again carrying Baltimore’s Super Bowl expectations.

Tyler Huntley will get the call at quarterback for the Ravens. The veteran backup has proven to be a reliable option when called upon in recent years, giving Baltimore an experienced player capable of handling the preseason workload while Jackson watches from the sideline.

How to watch Vikings vs Ravens in the USA

The Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens preseason game will be available in the United States through Fubo and NFL+.

Can I watch Vikings vs Ravens for free?

Yes, eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Vikings vs. Ravens for free with the 5-day free trial. The platform’s current listing for the matchup shows a “Start free trial” option and identifies the game as an NFL Network broadcast.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Vikings and Ravens enter Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason with 1-0 records, but the result will not count toward the regular-season standings. The real stakes are player evaluation, roster competition and preparation for the regular season. Minnesota opened its preseason with a 13-10 win over the New York Giants, while Baltimore defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-7 in its first game under new head coach Jesse Minter.

Minnesota’s biggest storyline is its revamped quarterback room. Kyler Murray was named the Vikings’ starting quarterback, while J.J. McCarthy has been confirmed as QB2. Murray played only the opening series against the Giants, completing 2 of 3 passes for 10 yards, while Carson Wentz later threw the game-winning touchdown to Myles Price.

The Vikings also suffered a significant setback in their opener when Jamal Adams sustained a season-ending quadriceps injury. His absence leaves Minnesota with another defensive personnel question to address, particularly as Brian Flores‘ unit prepares for a Ravens offense led by Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore, meanwhile, is beginning a new era under Jesse Minter, who replaced John Harbaugh after the 2025 season. The Ravens’ defense dominated Philadelphia in Week 1, holding the Eagles to seven points, although most of Baltimore’s established starters did not play. The team is also dealing with a developing competition at center after Danny Pinter suffered a knee injury during joint practices with Minnesota.

What time is the Vikings vs Ravens match?

The Vikings vs. Ravens game kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 1:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 1:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 12:00 PM CT
• Mountain Time: 11:00 AM MT
• Pacific Time: 10:00 AM PT

“I want those guys feeling like they’re competing,” the head coach said Wednesday, via video from VikingzFanPage. “The philosophy around making our quarterback room competitive and allow that to rise to the standard of not only our team but our offense.“

O’Connell also added: “We want Carson feeling like he can do the things consistently that he can do, that we know exactly who and what he is, and we want J.J. feeling like I’m one step away, and I have to prepare like the starter anyway. It’s easy to say those things, but we wanted to have a room that forced it. We’ll see these next couple of weeks play out. We’re going to do what’s best for our team.”

McCarthy’s first preseason game

The Vikings already had their first test, earning a 13-10 victory over the New York Giants. McCarthy played 17 snaps, completing 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards. The Vikings scored no points on his three drives.

More tests ahead for Minnesota’s QBs

Kevin O’Connell still has two more challenges to help determine the order within his QB room. McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer will look to add snaps and potentially position themselves behind Murray.

Week 2 of the preseason will see the Vikings host the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 22. Finally, Minnesota will travel to Colorado to face the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Friday, August 28.

A challenging schedule ahead for Minnesota

Kyler Murray will be tasked with leading a team that wants to emerge as a contender in the NFC North from the outset. It will not be an easy task, as Minnesota faces a challenging start to the season.

• Week 1, at Green Bay Packers – September 13
• Week 2, vs Chicago Bears – September 20
• Week 3, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 27
• Week 4, at Miami Dolphins – October 4
• Week 5, vs New Orleans Saints – October 11

Head coach John Harbaugh said it was a groin injury for Turbo Miller, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. However, the reporter also stated that, after the Vikings game, Miller said it was a lower abdomen injury. That game also saw Jaxson Dart going into the blue tent, which left him puzzled.

Regardless of where the injury is, Raanan also said Miller is likely to miss time, as the running back was in serious pain after game. Miller has been with the Giants since 2024, though most of this time, he’s been on the practice squad.

The Giants shouldn’t be too concerned in the RB department

The Giants have Cam Skattebo as their main running back, followed by Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, and Eric Gray. Hence, while it’s unfortunate that Miller got injured, the Giants are really well covered in the position.

Also, undrafted free agent Damon Bankston and fullback Patrick Ricard are on the roster. Whether it’s running the football or pass protection, the Giants are in good position to thrive.

Harbaugh’s teams’ running stats

Harbaugh has been a head coach for 18 years. Given that he emphasizes a lot in the running game, it’s not surprising to see how well his teams usually rank in the rushing offense department.

Out of 18 years, his rushing offense has been a top 10 unit 12 times, and two additional times they’ve been ranked 11th. Hence, Harbaugh lives to run the ball and his teams have always been consistently good at it.

“The expectation is that Jaxson Dart and most of the Giants starters play Saturday vs. the Vikings,” ESPN‘s Jordan Raanan revealed on X. “Don’t think it will be for long but coach John Harbaugh said the other day he values first-team reps.”

ESPN insider Dan Graziano also addressed the situation surrounding newly acquired Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray: “Kyler Murray is going to start against the Giants.”

According to the Vikings’ official website, head coach Kevin O’Connell plans to use both Murray and J.J. McCarthy, while also leaving open the possibility of giving Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer some snaps during the preseason.

The expectations surrounding Jaxson Dart

Heading into his sophomore campaign in 2026, Jaxson Dart will look to build on a promising rookie season with the New York Giants and take a significant leap as a passer. In 2025, Dart completed 216 of 339 passes (63.7%) for 2,272 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions for a solid 91.7 passer rating, while also adding 487 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground across 14 games (12 starts).

To elevate his game, the young signal-caller aims to sharpen his deep-ball accuracy, improve efficiency from the pocket, and leverage his dual-threat abilities to establish himself as a true franchise quarterback. Dart shares the quarterback room with Jameis Winston and Brandon Allen.

Vikings’ interesting QB room

Minnesota boasts one of the most compelling quarterback situations in the NFL, featuring a deep blend of high-upside youth and proven veteran talent. Head coach Kevin O’Connell faces a massive fork in the road this offseason, with a big decision on starting QB job between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray that will define the franchise’s trajectory.

Adding to the intrigue, the Vikings also have experienced backup Carson Wentz to provide reliable insurance, alongside young depth piece Max Brosmer. Balancing top-tier starter potential with such seasoned depth gives Minnesota an enviable dilemma and plenty of drama heading into training camp.

How to watch Giants vs Vikings in the USA

The Giants vs. Vikings preseason game will be available to stream on Fubo, NFL+ and ESPN Unlimited in the United States.

Can I watch Giants vs Vikings for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial that can be used to watch Giants vs. Vikings live. The official matchup page lists the game with the option to start a free trial and states that users can try the service for free and cancel anytime.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings preseason opener is the first game of the 2026 preseason for both teams, but it carries additional significance because it marks John Harbaugh‘s debut on the Giants sideline.

New York hired Harbaugh as its 21st head coach in January, and the veteran coach now gets his first opportunity to evaluate his team in a game situation before the regular season begins.

The Giants also have an intriguing quarterback storyline heading into the matchup. Jaxson Dart is entering his second NFL season, and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has emphasized the importance of preseason repetitions as Dart continues to learn the new offense. Meanwhile, Malik Nabers is still working his way back from a torn ACL and could take another step in his recovery after Saturday’s game.

For Minnesota, the biggest storyline is Kyler Murray‘s arrival as the new starting quarterback. The Vikings announced earlier this week that Murray won the competition with J.J. McCarthy and will open the regular season as Kevin O’Connell‘s starter.

Both quarterbacks are expected to play against New York, giving Minnesota an opportunity to evaluate Murray in live action while continuing McCarthy’s development.

What time is the Giants vs Vikings match?

The Giants vs. Vikings game kicks off on Saturday, August 15, at 1:00 PM ET. The preseason matchup will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

• Eastern Time: 1:00 PM
• Central Time: 12:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 11:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 10:00 AM

One potential destination stands out above the rest because of McCarthy’s history. The Los Angeles Chargers are coached by Jim Harbaugh, the same coach who led McCarthy at Michigan and helped him win a national championship.

That connection could make Los Angeles an intriguing landing spot if the Vikings eventually make McCarthy available. The problem is obvious, though: Justin Herbert is firmly established as the Chargers’ starting quarterback, meaning McCarthy would initially have to accept a backup role.

Will Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Chargers?

It’s possible. According to a report by Adam Schefter, the Chargers have emerged as a logical fit for McCarthy because of his relationship with Jim Harbaugh. “The obvious fit will be the Chargers with Jim Harbaugh. They have Justin Herbert. So, bring him in there to help him get back into the right track.”

The former Michigan quarterback already knows Harbaugh’s system, coaching style and expectations, while Harbaugh knows exactly what McCarthy can bring to a football team.

That scenario would give McCarthy a familiar coach and a stable environment to continue developing without immediately being forced to become the face of a new franchise.

The decision immediately fueled speculation that McCarthy could be traded, particularly after the former No. 10 overall pick lost a QB competition he was expected to have a legitimate chance to win. With Murray now in control of the offense, questions are growing about whether the Vikings still see McCarthy as their long-term answer.

Kevin O’Connell, however, does not appear ready to close the door on McCarthy. The Vikings head coach delivered a strong message about the young quarterback’s development and made it clear that the Vikings still intend to support him.

Kevin O’Connell addresses J.J. McCarthy trade rumors

Kevin O’Connell emphasized that J.J. McCarthy remains an extremely inexperienced NFL quarterback, having played only 10 games in his career. The coach also pointed to the progress he has seen from the young passer during training camp.

“He’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games. He’s shown improvement off of last year, even in this training camp with the work he’s put in. Growing a little bit day in and day out. I’m still very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day and coach him. As he knows, he’s holding the pen on his story. We’re going to support him and try to help him continue to improve as a young player.”

Those comments are significant because they come at a time when McCarthy’s name is increasingly being connected to potential trades. Rather than publicly distancing himself from the quarterback, O’Connell stressed that Minnesota remains committed to helping him develop.

The phrase “he’s holding the pen on his story” is particularly interesting. O’Connell appears to be placing responsibility on McCarthy to determine what happens next through his own development and performance.

What happens next for J.J. McCarthy?

The Vikings now have an unusual situation. Kyler Murray will begin the season as QB1, but they still have a former top-10 pick with significant potential waiting behind him.

That could give McCarthy an important opportunity. If Murray struggles or suffers an injury, McCarthy could suddenly find himself back in the spotlight. Strong performances in practice could also change how the organization views his future.

At the same time, the longer McCarthy remains a backup, the more difficult it could become to keep him satisfied in Minnesota. Other teams looking for a young quarterback could eventually view him as an intriguing trade target.

For now, O’Connell’s message is clear: the Vikings are not publicly giving up on J.J. McCarthy. Whether that remains true throughout the 2026 season could depend on how the young quarterback responds to the biggest setback of his NFL career so far.

After Kevin O’Connell officially named Kyler Murray the Vikings’ starting quarterback, attention immediately shifted toward McCarthy’s future. The former No. 10 overall pick was expected to be Minnesota’s long-term answer after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, he has now been pushed behind Murray as the Vikings prepare for the 2026 season.

Adam Schefter has now delivered an ominous assessment that could dramatically change the conversation around McCarthy. The ESPN insider suggested that the young quarterback’s time in Minnesota could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Are J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings numbered?

Schefter did not simply suggest that McCarthy could eventually be traded. He indicated that the quarterback’s departure from Minnesota now appears increasingly likely.

“It would seem at this point in time, that J.J. McCarthy’s days in Minnesota are numbered. It’s fair to assume that J.J. McCarthy in time, whether it’s before the final cut this year, at the trade deadline or after this season, will be moving on from Minnesota.”

That is a massive development for a quarterback who was drafted specifically to become the face of the Vikings’ offense. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season because of injury and then endured an uneven 2025 campaign, finishing with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Now, instead of getting another opportunity to establish himself as QB1, McCarthy is entering the season as Murray’s backup. O’Connell has said McCarthy continues to develop, but the decision to start Murray makes his long-term position with the organization far less certain.

Will the Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy?

The timeline described by Schefter creates several possibilities. Minnesota could trade McCarthy before the final roster cuts, wait until the 2026 trade deadline or keep him through the season before moving him in the offseason.

The Vikings would likely have plenty of interest if they actually make McCarthy available. A former top-10 pick with significant physical upside could be an attractive reclamation project for another team looking for a young quarterback.

For Minnesota, however, the decision would carry considerable risk. Trading McCarthy after only a limited sample of NFL action would mean giving up on a player the previous regime invested heavily in.

At the same time, keeping him as a long-term backup could become increasingly complicated if the organization believes Murray is the better option to lead the offense.

The situation could therefore become one of the biggest quarterback storylines of the 2026 season. Murray has won the job, but the Vikings’ decision may have set in motion something much bigger: the end of J.J. McCarthy’s tenure in Minnesota.