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

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Victory

Contain Khalil Mack

Far and away the most talented and feared player on the Raiders defense is pass-rushing linebacker Khalil Mack, who’s tied for third in the NFL among 3-4 linebackers in quarterback pressures this season with 39. He can line up on either side of the line, but 72% of the time he comes from the left, which means Vikings right tackle T.J. Clemmings will see a lot of Mack on Sunday.

Regardless, identifying Mack and frequently helping who is assigned to block him will be crucial to a consistent offensive flow. This could mean many snaps for Rhett Ellison in passing situations as the “chipper” to help either Clemmings or Matt Kalil should Mack line up on the right side.

If Mack starts to wreak havoc in the backfield on a consistent basis, it will be difficult for the Vikings to move the ball consistently against the Raiders. Additionally, it will prevent Bridgewater from attacking and taking advantage of the NFL’s worst passing defense.

Let Bridgewater loose

For most of this season, Norv Turner has elected to ride Adrian Peterson as the foundation for his offense. To Turner’s credit, it’s worked pretty well. However, Oakland’s stiff run defense and rather poor pass defense should be a red flag to Turner. While establishing a running game should still be a priority, he should also let Bridgewater get into a rhythm with some hurry-up, shotgun type drives.

If Turner commits to Peterson too much, the Vikings could be faced with many third-and-long situations, and that’s never a good idea when Khalil Mack is ready to pounce.

Win the special teams battle

As I’ve noted, these teams are actually pretty evenly matched even though they’re completely different teams. As far as their offenses and defenses are concerned, they both have strengths and weaknesses of relatively equal capacity, and that could mean a pretty close game on Sunday.

With that being said, winning the special teams battle could be the deciding factor for this game. It doesn’t mean that we need to see a kick or punt return touchdown from Cordarrelle Patterson or Marcus Sherels. However, setting the offense up in good field position while pinning Oakland deep in their own territory could make a huge impact late in the game. Or, it could be a special teamer making a big time play such as forcing a fumble that could prove to be the difference.

Next: Vikings @ Raiders: Prediction