NFL Odds

No. 1 running back Knowshon Moreno practiced for the first time this preseason on Tuesday, but he's expected to rest his strained right hamstring on Thursday. LenDale White, who's out until Week 5 because of a suspension, should see extensive action in the backfield.

Denver should rest a slew of regulars on Thursday night. Don't expect to see Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Daniel Graham, Ryan Clady, Brandon Stokley, or Correll Buckhalter against Minnesota.

Tim Tebow appears to have beaten out Brady Quinn for the No. 2 QB job for the wholesale Broncos jersey , and while the former Florida standout is still a work in progress, he is catching on at the professional level.

Kyle Orton would be well positioned to take advantage of the Vikings' hole at corner, but he figures to get minimal work on Thursday. Given the starting job from the outset of the preseason, Orton has looked good for Josh McDaniels. Orton went 9-of-14 for 80 yards in Denver's 34-17 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, and has a 97.4 passer rating in three preseason games.

Considering Sheppard played with the third team last week, this is not what the Vikings had in mind at the beginning of camp. Remember that last year's starter, Cedric Griffin, is still dealing with the torn ACL in his knee he suffered in Minnesota's loss to New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game.

If there's an issue for the Vikes its in the secondary. Rookie Chris Cook was penciled in as the starter at right cornerback, but he reportedly had surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee earlier this week. With Cook out indefinitely, Minnesota will be forced to go with nickelback Asher Allen or veteran Lito Sheppard at his position.

Minnesota opened as 4-point chalk earlier in the week, but action on it moved the spread. The Vikes were available at -5 at some outlets as of press, while the total was listed between 35 and 35.5 on the NFL betting odds board.

Extended work for Rosenfels – who was 5-of-6 for 71 yards with a touchdown against the Seahawks last week – is enough to take the Vikings as 4?-point favorites on Thursday night.

Minnesota appears set to go with Tarvaris Jackson as the backup quarterback, leaving Sage Rosenfels to battle with Joe Webb for third string. It's a good thing for Vikes backers if Rosenfels racks up the reps on Thursday; he's been Minny's best QB in the preseason.

With that in mind, expect Childress to get a long look at Greg Camarillo, Javon Walker, Greg Lewis, and Bernard Berrian on Thursday night. Lewis has the inside track on a starting job with Rice out, but the contest is still up for grabs.

Harvin is healthy at the moment – he played in the Vikings' 24-13 win over Seattle last Saturday – but he could be forced out of the lineup at any time.

Thing is, Favre could use some work with a group of wide receivers that are in a state of flux. Top target Sidney Rice (hip surgery) is out until at least the middle of the season, while cheap Percy Harvin jersey (migraines) can't be counted on over the long haul.

Favre is still hopping around on his surgically-held-together ankle, so Brad Childress won't push him against the Broncos. Look for Favre to play a series or two and that's it.


Starters tend to play more in Week 3 of the preseason, while Week 4 is used to rest up and finish off any position battles before the beginning of the regular season. Thursday night should be no exception.

Actually, you'll probably see and hear quite a bit about Favre on Thursday if you tune in to the broadcast. He'll be the center of attention, but not because he'll be taking many snaps on the football field.

Don't expect to see much of Brett Favre when the Minnesota Vikings jersey close out their preseason schedule against the Denver Broncos at the Metrodome on Thursday night (8 p.m. ET).