Previewing This Week’s Vikings Game: Week 14 at Las Vegas Raiders
The Minnesota Vikings got a chance to rest up during their bye this past week and also heal up from a few of their recent injuries.
Now, though, the team is set to get back in action this weekend as they travel to Las Vegas and take on the Raiders in Week 14. Las Vegas is also coming off their bye, so both teams should be amped and ready to roll this upcoming Sunday afternoon. With the matchup just a couple days away, here is a look at everything you need to know about this week’s Vikings game.
How to Watch This Week’s Vikings Game
This week’s Vikings game against the Raiders is set to kick off at 3:05 PM Central on Sunday, December 10th. The matchup is going to be broadcast on FOX, so folks in the Twin Cities will be able to tune in on FOX9. It can also be streamed via NFL+ or can be found on NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV.
Raiders/Vikings History
The Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have met a grand total of 16 times during the histories of the two franchises. The Raiders lead the all-time series with a 10-6 record against the Vikings, but Minnesota has gotten the better of their Week 14 opponent in each of their past two meetings. The most recent of these games took place on September 22nd, 2019, when the Vikings won by a score of 34-14.
The Raiders do have a notable win over Minnesota, though. Back during the 1976-77 season, the two teams met in Super Bowl XI where the Raiders won in dominant fashion, 32-14. It began a five-game losing streak for the Vikings in this series that lasted until 1987.
Vikings Spotlight Player: WR Justin Jefferson
Obviously, the story of this game is the fact that Justin Jefferson is returning from IR and will play for the first time since Week 5.
The Vikings have found a way to remain in the mix without Jefferson (5-2 in the seven games without him), but it was very clear in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears that Josh Dobbs needs more help from his pass-catchers to make things easier on him in the passing game.
Jefferson has been one of the best receivers in the NFL over his three-plus seasons in the league, and his presence will be welcomed back in the offense, particularly considering how Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson have been playing in his absence.
Raiders Spotlight Player: TE Michael Mayer
The Raiders needed to replace Darren Waller this past offseason, and because of that, they opted to select Michael Mayer out of Notre Dame in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
It was a slow start to the rookie tight end’s career, earning just one reception over the first four weeks of the season. However, in the eight games since, Mayer has had 21 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown.
He is slowly emerging as a reliable target in the Raiders offense, and the Vikings will need to keep an eye on him this weekend. In Week 12 against the Bears, Minnesota’s defense allowed 7 catches for 43 yards to Cole Kmet, and Chicago was able to eat up yards and clock on short passing plays throughout the night. That must change if Minnesota wants to bounce back.
Additional Links
- Vikings Star on Pace to Be Snubbed Again
- Former Viking Joins Deion Sanders in Colorado
- Week 14 NFL Picks
- Staff Predictions for Vikings at Raiders
- There Is Good News on the Injury Front for the Vikings
NOTE: This article originally appeared on our sister-site, PurplePTSD.com.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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