Vikings vs. Raiders: 5 things you can count on
The Minnesota Vikings will look to continue their playoff push as they take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
With Justin Jefferson’s return making headlines, the Vikings will enter Sunday’s game in the middle of a tight race for a NFC playoff spot but the Raiders also have big implications as they come into Sunday’s game at 5-7.
Vegas can be unpredictable but here are five things you can count on as Minnesota tries to snap its two-game losing streak.
1. Justin Jefferson’s return
Vikings fans (and fantasy football players) can rejoice as Jefferson will return after missing the last seven games with a hamstring injury. The Vikings fared well without Jefferson in the lineup, going 5-2 without their superstar, but Jefferson’s presence can only mean good things moving forward.
Jefferson was on pace for a monster season before his injury, ranking third in the NFL in receiving behind Miami’s Tyreek Hill and Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nakua at the time.
The centerpiece of Kevin O’Connell’s offense, Jefferson will give Josh Dobbs an elite target while potentially opening up opportunities for T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison to thrive in single coverage.
No matter who gets the ball, Vikings fans will be happy to see No. 18 back on the field and it could jump-start Minnesota’s offense in Vegas.
2. A short leash for Josh Dobbs
Dobbs started his Vikings tenure well, scoring five total touchdowns in wins over the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, but he has tailed off in recent weeks in losses to the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spent the bye week considering a change to Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall but ultimately decided to stick with Dobbs.
“There’s all kinds of things that we could we could do better,” O’Connell told reporters on Wednesday. “We could coach better. Josh has continued comfort in our offense and how we play but also our offense and our staff’s ability to evolve and help Josh thrive is [part of] our plan.”
Even with a vote of confidence, Dobbs could experience a quick hook if he turns the ball over. According to Pro Football Focus, Dobbs’s turnover-worthy play rate of 4.3 percent ranks seventh among qualifying quarterbacks and with six turnovers in his last two games, O’Connell may be quick to go to Mullens if things don’t straighten out.
3. Another challenge for Brian O’Neill
O’Neill has been solid at right tackle for the Vikings this season but he’s coming off the worst game of his career in Minnesota’s Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears.
