Both teams are trying to adjust to new quarterbacks, as injuries and poor play have claimed the starting spots of signal-callers all across the league. Who will win on Sunday?
Here’s an in-depth look at the matchup.
Where: Mall of America Field (Minneapolis, MN)
When: 1:00 p.m. EST on Nov. 20, 2011
Watch: CBS and DirecTV: 704
Spread: Minnesota (+1), according to Covers.com
This is a highly-surprising spread in my opinion, considering the Vikings are coming off a 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Raiders, on the other hand, are coming off a 24-17 win over the San Diego Chargers.
Carson Palmer seems to have picked up the Raiders offense incredibly fast, and Michael Bush is an incredible option at running back in the absence of Darren McFadden. When the Raiders are clicking on offense, their defense is able to execute as they’d like to.
Minnesota has shown some bright spots with Christian Ponder running the offense, but Ponder is still raw. He mixes in bad throws, as a rookie is expected to.
The Raiders have shown their ability to get ahead early in games. They’ve been ahead at the half in three of their last five games. When they get ahead on Sunday, Adrian Peterson will be taken out of the equation.
Take Oakland.
Over/Under: 45.5, according to Covers.com
Oakland’s defense is better than the stats suggest. On many occasions, the Raiders have allowed points because of offensive ineptitude. When running is their focus, the Raiders defense doesn’t score as much. Running will be their focus on Sunday.
