NFL Football Betting: Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings

Dalvin Cook has had an excellent start to the season. The third year running back out of Florida State is currently leading the NFL in rushing yards, and he looks well on his way to having a breakout campaign. Cook should see plenty of touches on Saturday, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Oakland Raiders.

OAKLAND RAIDERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
LINE: VIKINGS -9
TOTAL: 43.5

This line has slowly crept upwards throughout the week. Minnesota was initially a 7.5-point favorite per the NFL betting odds, but that number has since risen to Vikings -9. The total has increased by a half-point since the lines were released on Sunday, but this remains one of the lower totals of Week 3.

INJURY REPORT

There is a myriad of injuries to watch out for with Oakland, so keep an eye on the injury report over the weekend. As of now, guard Gabe Jackson is out on Sunday, but eight players are questionable. Cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Keisean Nixon, wide receivers Tyrell Williams and Dwayne Harris, linebacker Vontaze Burfict, offensive tackle Trent Brown, defensive tackle PJ Hall, and running back Josh Jacobs are listed as questionable.

The Vikings have some issues at linebacker ahead of Sunday’s game. Linebackers Ben Gedeon and Kentrell Brothers are questionable, while four-time Pro Bowler Anthony Barr is probable with a groin injury. Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, guard Pat Elflein, and cornerback Mackensie Alexander are also listed as questionable.

WHEN OAKLAND IS ON OFFENSE

Derek Carr was very sharp in the Raiders’ opener against Denver in Week 1, but he struggled mightily against Kansas City last week. Carr threw two interceptions and averaged just 5.2 yards per pass attempt as the Chiefs’ ability to get to the passer affected him greatly.

Tight end Darren Waller has emerged as Carr’s favorite target. Waller has seen 15 passes thrown his way, and he could see a significant uptick in production if Williams is unable to play for Oakland in this game. No other Oakland player has more than 43 receiving yards, so watch Waller’s NFL player prop betting odds.

The run game would take a considerable hit without Josh Jacobs in the lineup. Jacobs has been the bruising running back that Jon Gruden was hoping to land when he selected the Alabama product late in the first round. Jacobs is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and Gruden does not trust any other player to carry the ball. He has 73 percent of Oakland’s carries on the year.

Minnesota’s defense is one of the best in the NFL, and the Vikings are excellent at getting to the quarterback. The Vikes have six sacks and 16 quarterback hits this season, so they are likely to put some pressure on Carr in this game.

WHEN MINNESOTA IS ON OFFENSE

Kirk Cousins fourth quarter turnovers have been driving Minnesota fans mad for over a year. Cousins turned the ball over eight times in the fourth quarter in 2018, and he did it again against the Green Bay Packers last week. He threw an interception on first and goal from Green Bay’s 8 with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, wiping out Minnesota’s chance of erasing a 21-0 deficit in Lambeau Field to pick up a win.

Cousins has two excellent weapons in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, but it’s likely that Minnesota will try to keep the ball on the ground and keep feeding Cook. Against the Packers, Cousins completed just 43.8 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions. Meanwhile, Cook averaged 7.7 yards per carry, and he provided Cousins with a decent option out of the backfield. Cook’s total yards prop bets might be enticing along those lines.

Oakland’s defense hasn’t been great this season, as No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell and others have underperformed. Ferrell was considered a huge reach when he was selected, and he has not graded well according to Pro Football Focus. Ferrell has not been efficient at getting to the quarterback despite his sack in the opener against Denver.

Benson Mayowa is a name to watch though. Mayowa has 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in two games for the Raiders.

PREDICTION

Carr is not going to have any success against Minnesota’s defense. He is going to be pressured into making mistakes and he’ll be flustered by the second half. Minnesota will succeed running the ball, earning the hosts the cover.

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