Zimmer, not QBs, key to winning this bet

Don’t get dizzy from this quarterback merry-go-round!

If you haven’t paid much attention to NFL headlines since last season ended, you won’t be surprised that Case Keenum and Trevor Siemian will see action as quarterbacks in Saturday night’s Vikings-Broncos exhibition game, televised live by the NFL Network. Though, it might catch you off guard to see Keenum playing for Denver and Siemian for Minnesota.

Keenum is the projected starter this season in Denver after the Broncos came to the firm conclusion that neither Siemian nor Paxton Lynch was ready to lead John Elway’s team to the playoffs. You’ll recall that Keenum took the Vikings to the NFC Championship game last season, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles.

The Vikings decided they needed an upgrade from a “game manager” to a deep thrower to win a Super Bowl. They signed Kirk Cousins to a huge contract in the offseason. Minnesota also decided to acquire Siemian and give him a shot at the backup position. Kyle Sloter is the third quarterback for the Vikings, while Chad Kelly has that spot behind Keenum and Lynch for the Broncos.

Oddsmakers expected immediate betting interest in the Vikings, opening this game at Denver -1. That’s below the standard for home favorites in August. Some locales have tested the game at pick ’em through the week. Sharps are aware Vikings coach Mike Zimmer expects effort from his players in exhibitions.

That’s 14-3 straight up for Zimmer in exhibitions, 13-4 against market expectations.

Pro bettors expect intensity Saturday from the Vikings — with a new, bigmoney quarterback performing for a new offensive coordinator (John DeFilippo, replacing new Giants head coach Pat Shurmur) — in front of a head coach who’s a stickler for execution in August.

Personnel carousels can make you dizzy. Focusing on head-coaching histories in the preseason will help you get your bearings