Oakland Raiders vs Minnesota Vikings
It has been a circuitous route but with just 7 games to play the Raiders are on the top of the AFC West. They don’ have a huge lead but with Carson Palmer starting to show some signs of getting it and Darren McFadden eventually coming back they have to like their chances from here on out.
Metrodome – Minneapolis, MN
Sunday November 29 – 1:00PM
Moneyline: Off
Spread (ATS): PK
Over/Under: 45
Odds courtesy of 5Dimes
Oakland
Especially with a schedule that includes winnable road games like their visit to Minnesota this Sunday.
It only took three games but the Raiders have learned that as long as Palmer doesn’t bury them with turnovers they can win. Last week he was very sharp, completing 70% of his passes for 299 yards. He still flipped one to the other team but generally looked good. Even without Run DMC the Raiders can still run the ball well with Michael Bush exploding last week for 157 yards. He has run for 96 yards or more in every game where he has had more than 10 carries this season. He is big and can carry the load.
Oakland has been lining pockets all season long, especially on the road where they are 3-1 and a perfect 4-0 ATS. This one opened up with the Vikings a slight fave which was shocking. It has already moved to pick em and I imagine that it will continue to swing towards the Oakland sides as kickoff approaches. They look like a pretty good bet to me.
Minnesota
When you can run and stop the run you are supposed to be in good shape on the football field. The Vikings are in the top 6 in both categories but are just 2-7 on the season making them the biggest disappointment in the league. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
There is talent on this team which is why I think the coach is just another game or two away from getting turfed. Another home loss just might do it.
If they are going to win it is because that running game and their ability to stop the run are enough. Running back Adrian Peterson is having another solid season, fifth in rushing yards and second in touchdowns. That is taking the pressure of the passing game but rookie signal caller Christian Ponder still hasn’t shown much since taking over as starter. To be fair his compliment of weapons is not all that great.
Based on recent performance it is hard to see the Vikings getting up off the mat this week. They seemed to quit last week against Green Bay and are only 1-3 at home this season. The game last week was a bit of an embarrassment so I expect a sharper performance but if the Raiders play well they should win. With the pickem I imagine there will be a lot of teasers including this game on Sunday.
ATS Pick: Oakland
Over/Under Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Oakland 28 – Minnesota 21
