Minnesota Vikings @ Oakland Raiders: Preview, Keys to Victory and Prediction

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Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders in the in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Preview

Raiders offense vs. Vikings defense

I think this is the third time I’ve mentioned it now, but it’s true. The Raiders offense will be the toughest test the Vikings defense will face thus far when they take the field on Sunday. Coincidentally, the offense is led by former Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.

The Raiders average 374.6 yards of offense per game, good enough for eighth in the NFL. They’ve accomplished a lot of their offense through the air, as their clip of 270 passing yards per game also ranks eighth in the NFL. Derek Carr has had a tremendous second season in the NFL, showing the ability to make nearly every throw under any situation. His 2,094 passing yards rank 12th in the NFL this season, while his 19 touchdown passes rank 3rd. Additionally, Carr has thrown just seven interceptions in 273 pass attempts.

It helps that Carr has some impressive weapons to throw the ball to on the outside. Amari Cooper has established himself as a legitimate threat as the Raiders’ number one receiver. He’s caught 45 of 72 targets this season for 653 yards and four touchdowns thus far in his rookie season. His incredible quickness helps him both with creating separation in his routes and in gaining yards after the catch. His 318 yards receiving after the catch rank 6th in the NFL. Needless to say, Xavier Rhodes will have his hands full with Cooper on Sunday.

Latavius Murray, Michael Crabtree, and Marcel Reese are also have posed problems for defenses this season. Murray’s 630 rushing yards this season rank 6th in the NFL. Crabtree and Carr have developed a solid chemistry in recent weeks, helping Crabtree lead the Raiders in receptions at 47 and plays of 20 or more yards with 11. Reese has become a utility/hybrid type player for the Raiders. You’ll find him lining up anywhere from fullback to receiver to running back to tight end. The only places he hasn’t lined up (that I can think of) are quarterback and offensive line.

However, the Vikings are one of the toughest defenses, if not the toughest, defense the Raiders have game planned for this season. Minnesota hasn’t allowed more than 23 points in a game this season, and the 332.3 yards of offense they’re allowing per game is 7th in the NFL. Additionally, the Vikings are only surrendering a mere 220.6 passing yards per game, which ranks 6th in the NFL.

Linval Joseph has played at an All-Pro level in recent weeks, and this is especially true for his most recent performance against the Rams which he earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for. All signs point to Sharrif Floyd returning as Joseph’s counterpart at defensive tackle, and the two of them together will be a threat to the interior Raiders offensive line, both against the run and in pass protection.

The Vikings’ two best linebackers in Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks were both held out of practice Wednesday, and having them on the field would be a huge boost in containing Murray and Reese this Sunday.

Whether it’s the potent Oakland offense or the stingy Minnesota defense, something’s bound to be exposed on Sunday and it should be interesting to see which prevails.

Vikings offense vs. Raiders defense

This matchup will certainly be the battle of both teams’ weaknesses, as Minnesota possesses the 30th ranked offense while Oakland has the NFL’s 30th ranked defense.

Believe it or not, the Vikings are a top-10 rushing offense while the Raiders are actually a top-10 rushing defensive team. The Vikings rank 6th in the NFL in rushing at 132.8 yards per game, while the Raiders only surrender 96.9 yards per game, which puts them 8th in the NFL.

Adrian Peterson is coming off yet another 100-yard performance last week against St. Louis, and he has reclaimed the league lead in rushing yards at 758 for the season. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has ridden Peterson all season long, and I don’t expect this to change come Sunday.

Minnesota’s offensive line has been impressive in the last two games blocking for Peterson, and this is especially true for right guard Mike Harris. Despite Oakland’s rigid run defense, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Turner ride Peterson again this week.