Vikings (6-6) at Raiders (5-7)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Vikings by 3
Vikings’ keys to victory: The Vikings couldn’t beat the Bears in Week 12 in large part because QB Josh Dobbs threw four interceptions. The Vikings are the better team and as long as they play a clean game, they shouldn’t have any problem taking care of the Raiders. Look for the Vikings to lean on their run game, especially the legs of Dobbs, to pick up first downs.
Raiders’ keys to victory: The Vikings blitz at a higher rate than any other team in the NFL. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is likely going to go after QB Aidan O’Connell early and often. For the Raiders to beat the blitz, O’Connell is going to have to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately. The Raiders need to get open quickly and be better in yards after the catch. Those two offensive components have been a recipe for their success.
Matchup to watch: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. Raiders CB Nate Hobbs. The expectation is that Jefferson will make his return to the field after missing the last two months with a hamstring injury. The Raiders released one of their starting cornerbacks (Marcus Peters) after Week 12. Look for Hobbs to see a bunch of Jefferson in this matchup, but the Raiders to throw a bunch of different defensive backs at the All-Pro receiver.
Who wins? The Raiders are 2-2 in the head coach Antonio Pierce era, but the offense is still struggling to put up points. It’s hard to see a rookie QB solving Flores’ complex blitzes. Take the Vikings in a low-scoring, defensive battle.
Vikings, 19-13