5 keys to lapses for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14

 

The Las Vegas Raiders kick off a crucial two-week stretch at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Raiders (5-7) and Vikings (6-6) are both coming off bye weeks, and this is a crucial game for both teams clinging to playoff hopes. Even more important for the Raiders is the performance of their roster and interim head coach, Antonio Pierce, who are all auditioning to stay in what is expected to be another offseason full of major changes.

After winning their first two games under Pierce after firing Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, the Raiders have now lost two straight and scored only 30 points in that span. Aidan O’Connell, the team’s rookie quarterback, continues to improve and avoid turnovers, but the team’s uneven and inconsistent offensive performances resurfaced in the two losses to Miami and Kansas City.

Last year’s rushing champion, Josh Jacobs, racked up 125 total scrimmage yards (including 110 yards rushing) against a stout Chiefs defense in Week 12. The Raiders have struggled with offensive rhythm, which appears to start games quickly but then fade, unable to move the ball and consistently put pressure on their defense.

While the Raiders’ defense has improved since 2022, it still falls short in key areas, including against the run. Las Vegas has allowed opponents an average of 127 yards per game and over 343 total offensive yards. The Raiders’ ability to create turnovers has been a major bright spot. The Raiders set a franchise record for fewest takeaways in a season in 2022 with 13, and they have already surpassed that mark after 13 weeks with 14.

With their slim playoff hopes on the line, let’s take a look at the keys to a Raiders victory in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Taking advantage of the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive flaws

On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings have recently struggled. Minnesota’s offense has struggled in recent weeks, despite QB Josh Dobbs’ sweeping comeback. Dobbs and the Vikings scored 10 points in a loss to the Chicago Bears in which both teams struggled with turnovers and other errors. The Raiders should capitalize on the Vikings’ struggles by maintaining a defensive presence, particularly in critical areas such as the red zone, to disrupt and prevent them from finding their groove. The return of Justin Jefferson could benefit Minnesota and present a new challenge for the Raiders’ inexperienced secondary.

Taking advantage of Maxx Crosby’s influence

Maxx Crosby, a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, is the engine that drives the Raiders’ defense, and he must be his usual disruptive force against the Vikings. Crosby will be crucial in containing the Vikings’ rushing attack after resting his ailing left knee during the bye week. Crosby is second in the NFL in tackles for loss (15) and sixth in sacks (11.5). To slow down the Minnesota offense, he must put on one of his typical dominant performances.

Attack the inexperienced secondary of the Vikings.

While the Vikings’ defensive backs Byron Murphy and Harrison Smith are solid and experienced, the rest of the unit is young and has struggled in 2023. The Vikings give up 259 passing yards per game. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit 25th, and it has allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season. Davante Adams of the Raiders, who is familiar with the Vikings from his time with the Packers, should play a significant role in this game if the Vegas offense can target him and his receiver room. To exploit the Minnesota offense’s weakness, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and tight end Michael Mayer all need touches. O’Connell must avoid turnovers and should have plenty of chances to attack the inexperienced unit.

The Las Vegas Raiders must establish a consistent offensive rhythm.

The Raiders always perform better when they can establish a rhythm on offense, which includes a consistent diet of running the ball with Jacobs. However, the Vikings’ defense is strong against the run, as they currently rank seventh in the NFL and hold opponents to less than 100 yards per game on the ground. This means interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree must strike a balance between preparing his rookie quarterback, O’Connell, for success and being aggressive enough to convert third downs and keep his defense off the field as much as possible. Even under McDaniels, the Raiders have struggled in this area. If Las Vegas is to win some games down the stretch, they must find offensive consistency.

Keep TJ Hockenson in check.

Hockenson, one of the best young tight ends in the game today, poses a problem for the Raiders. They’ll use him to try to take advantage of the Raiders’ struggles against tight ends, particularly over the middle, where Las Vegas lacks speed at linebacker. Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, as well as the Raiders’ secondary, will have their hands full. Over the last three games, Hockenson has averaged more than 10 yards per catch, has two touchdowns, and has gained more than 150 yards. While Jefferson poses a significant downfield challenge, Hockenson’s presence may give Raider Nation flashbacks to Travis Kelce. Las Vegas must do everything possible to keep Hockenson from beating them, especially on crucial third downs and in the red zone.