The push to earn a playoff spot begins on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas for the Minnesota Vikings as they take on the Raiders.
As things currently sit, the Vikings control their own destiny to make the playoffs. They are currently the sixth seed and are in a win and in scenario.
The division is a different story for the Vikings. They are three games behind the Detroit Lions and need them to lose one more than the Vikings outside of their two matchups, both of which Minnesota needs to win.
As we head into the first game out of the bye, these five matchups will be critical for the Vikings to get a win.
Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby vs. Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw and RT Brian O'Neill
The Vikings have one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL and are in for a great challenge against the Raiders. Crosby is one of the premiere pass rushers in the league and might somehow be underrated. He ranks fifth in the NFL in pressures according to PFF with 64 and both has a high motor and explosiveness to burn the edge. Stopping him will go a long way to securing a victory in Vegas.
Vikings DC Brian Flores vs. Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell
The Vikings defense has taken a massive leap forward on the defensive side of the football. They rank eighth in the NFL in scoring defense after finishing 28th in the league in that category. They are also first in the NFL in both blitz rate and three-man pressures. Flores loves to mix things up and confuse opposing quarterbacks. WIth rookie O’Connell under center, Flores could have a field day in confusing him and bring the Vikings closer to a victory.
Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr.
If there is one way the Raiders can take advantage of the Vikings on defense, it’s on the outside. The cornerbacks have performed well but going up against elite wide receivers is a different kind of challenge. Adams is one of the best in the NFL and Murphy has shown some holes in his game. Of the 73 times Murphy was targeted, he allowed 47 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns. Adams can beat you doing just about anything and it will be a challenge for the Vikings to control him.
Vikings QB Josh Dobbs vs. himself
At the time of this writing, we are projecting that Dobbs will be the starting quarterback. There are a lot of opportunities on the field for Dobbs to make plays, but he’s not able to capitalize on those, well at least over the last two games he hasn’t. Taking advantage of the opportunities given to him will be key to the Vikings getting a victory. Don’t try to do too much and let the game come to you.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. his hamstring
By all accounts, Jefferson’s hamstring will be ready to go and 100% from his hamstring injury. It will be key to making sure that he’s 100% throughout the game, as the injury can be fickle and reinjured at any time. Making sure that he is good to go throughout the game will be key not just for a victory but also the rest of the season.
