Ahead of the Broncos’ game against the Vikings this weekend, we asked Kyle Ratke of Vikings Wire five questions about the Minnesota-based team and Sunday’s showdown. Here are our questions and Kyle’s answers:

1. Gary Kubiak was beloved by Broncos fans and it was a big deal when he left the team earlier this year. Has he made any noticeable changes to the Vikings’ offense — good or bad — since last season?

On Wednesday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called Kubiak “maybe the best thing” that’s happened to him since taking over in Minnesota. Is that a weird thing to say? Sure, but Zimmer’s probably right. Kubiak’s commitment to running the ball, along with mentoring offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, has helped the team immensely. The zone blocking scheme plays to the offensive line’s strengths. Obviously having a running back like Dalvin Cook certainly doesn’t hurt.

2. Many fans in Denver wanted John Elway to go after Kirk Cousins last year but the Broncos went after Case Keenum instead (that obviously didn’t work out). How do Vikings fans feel about Cousins — was he worth giving $84M guaranteed? Is it too early to say?

Is he worth the $84 million? I don’t know. What I do know is that there was really no better option for the Vikings at the time. Keenum proved to be a flash in the pan. Teddy Bridgewater wasn’t ready for game action. For a team ready to win now, Cousins proved as the best option. In 26 games as the Vikings starter, he’s gone 15-10-1 and thrown for 6,735 yards, 48 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Those numbers are good, but what matters the most is a playoff appearance for this team, which looks pretty favorable right now.

3. Broncos fans have mostly good memories of Britton Colquitt — has he performed well for Minnesota?

Colquitt has been very good for the Vikings, and he seems to be a well-respected locker room guy. Apart from a 27-yard punt against the Chiefs which helped Kansas City win the game, everything’s been cool with Colquitt.

4. Do the Vikings have any under-the-radar players that Broncos fans should keep an eye on?

With nose tackle Linval Joseph likely to miss the game after undergoing knee surgery last week, keep an eye on Jaleel Johnson. Johnson was solid in getting the start for Joseph against Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys. We know the Broncos want to run the ball, and this Vikings defense has been great at defending the run. We’ll see if Johnson can help continue that.

5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and how?

It’s going to be closer than people think. The Broncos will cover the 10.5-point spread, but the Vikings will create a few turnovers and Cook will have a few big plays to push the Vikings to a 21-13 win.

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