The Denver Broncos take on the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. The Vikings bring with them a 2-9 record and are converting 39% (11th in NFL) of their 3rd down opportunities and scoring 54% (13th in NFL) of the time, while in the red zone.

In this weekly article, Pro Football Spotlight will bring you the upcoming opponent’s rushing and passing tendencies, as well as some additional data and observations. For example: Did you know that the Vikings are 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards, per play?

Every team in the NFL has strengths and weaknesses, tendencies, and go-to guys. They have plays they like to call during tight situations or directions they like to run when in the middle of the football field.

Let’s take a look at the rest of those tendencies…

Rushing Offense

Rushing Notes:

• Above, is a new slider graph we are trying at PFS. First, you should see the Vikings’ run tendencies. If you click the ribbon (grey column) on the right you will see how opponents are doing against the Broncos’ defense. Hope you like it.
• According to SBNation Minnesota…

 Wednesday’s Adrian Peterson injury update was surprisingly positive, at least for fans of the Minnesota Vikings, as it seems his ankle is progressing much better than early prognostications suggested. The running back did not plan to practice on Wednesday, but he could still play this weekend.

• Obviously, the Vikings become more of a threat if Adrian Peterson is ready to go for the Broncos game.
• The Vikings have run the ball directly at the center of the formation 99 times, 7th most in the NFL.  They are currently getting 5.0 yards, per attempt, which is ranked 5th in the NFL in yards, per attempt, to that area.
• It appears that Minnesota runs the ball to just about all the areas.  Their best production is around the left end, where they are ranked 2nd in the NFL in yards, per attempt, with 8.2.
• Since the Denver Broncos have been attacked the 4th most in the NFL in the center of the formation (104 times)…look for Minnesota to attempt the same.  Denver is giving up 4.1 yards, per attempt, in that area.
• Teams appear to attack the right tackle and right end (defensive left) side of the Broncos defense.  Teams have attempted 43 runs to their right tackle and 40 runs to their right end.

Passing Offense

Passing Notes:

• It appears the Vikings are spreading the ball around.  They really like to throw the ball to the short zones, especially on the edge.
• Minnesota’s best production is coming from the deep left zone.  They are currently getting 10.4 yards, per attempt, in that area.  The problem for the Vikings is that Denver only allows a 28% completion rate to that area (3rd best in NFL).
• The Vikings are also good when throwing the ball to the short middle of the field.  They currently are ranked 4th in the NFL in completion percentage to that zone (73%) and are ranked 4th in production, with 8.4 yards, per attempt.
• Look for the Vikings to keep the ball in the short zones more often, due to that success Denver is having in the deep zones this year.  Denver is giving up a 70% completion rate in the short right zone and a 67% completion rate in the short left zone.  Nice areas for Minnesota to hit as they try and run the ball.