Vikings-Raiders Predictions, Picks: Who Wins Backup QB Battle in Vegas?

After getting some time to reset over the bye week, the Vikings will be back in action on Sunday when they take on the Raiders in Vegas for the first time ever (in the regular season, at least). This is a massive game for Minnesota, whose playoff odds are roughly 50-50 at this point.

If the Vikings win, they'll be 7-6 and remain in the sixth spot in the NFC playoff picture. From there, splitting their final four games (at CIN, vs. DET, vs. GB, at DET) would likely be enough to get them into the postseason. That feels very doable, though not exactly easy.

If the Vikings lose, their path gets a lot tougher. They'd be riding a three-game losing streak against bad teams and would have to turn around and probably win three of their last four to get into the dance. If they can't go to Vegas this weekend and beat a 5-7 Raiders team that ranks 27th in DVOA, it'll be hard to take them seriously as a playoff-caliber group.

This will be a battle of backup quarterbacks, with Josh Dobbs taking on rookie Aidan O'Connell. Both will be throwing to an elite wide receiver (Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams) while trying to avoid an elite pass rusher (Danielle Hunter and Maxx Crosby). As always, turnovers will likely make the difference.

The Vikings are three-point road favorites heading into this one. Will they get the job done? Let's start with my prediction and then take a look at some picks from other analysts.

Will's pick: Vikings 23, Raiders 16

2023 picks record: 7-5

Even after two close losses, I'm going to pick the Vikings to bounce back and get a much-needed road win in a venue that's going to be filled with a lot of purple apparel. I think Dobbs will take care of the football better and re-find some of the dual threat magic he showed in his first couple games with the Vikings. Having arguably the best wide receiver on the planet back should help quite a bit. And given how well Brian Flores' defense has played for two months now, it's hard to imagine the rookie O'Connell having too much success against them.

Other predictions

Ben Goessling, Star Tribune: Vikings 27, Raiders 19

Jefferson's return comes against a Raiders team with a secondary that could be susceptible to big plays, especially if 5-foot-8 corner Amik Robertson is matched up against him. The Vikings should be able to give O'Connell trouble, and the Raiders have struggled to run Josh Jacobs efficiently this year. Turnovers were the main reason the Vikings lost to Denver and Chicago before the bye; if they can eliminate giveaways against Las Vegas, they should be able to end just the second losing streak of the Kevin O'Connell era. This is the kind of game a team that's serious about a playoff trip should win.

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Vikings 21, Raiders 17

Both teams are coming off bye weeks, and this will be a quarterback matchup between Joshua Dobbs and Aidan O’Connell. That makes it a toss-up-by-turnovers type game. O’Connell has thrown just one interception in three home starts, and Joshua Dobbs had five interceptions in Minnesota’s last two losses. Who protects the football? This is one of the more difficult picks of the week.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Vikings 23, Raiders 20

The Vikings are facing the Vegas trap against a scrappy Raiders defense under Antonio Pierce, but they also have found their own defensive playmaking pop with Brain Flores calling the plays. They can get after Aidan O'Connell well with the defense staying active for Kevin O'Connell, led by Danielle Hunter. Josh Dobbs rebounds well after a bye with Justin Jefferson back.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Raiders 24, Vikings 20

These two are coming off their byes, which means they are rested. The Raiders are 2-2 under Antonio Pierce, and they are playing much better football with him as the interim coach. I think that carries over here.

NFL.com: 4 of 5 pickers take the Vikings

Bleacher Report Staff: Vikings 26, Raiders 20

Mike Florio, PFT: Vikings 24, Raiders 13

Chris Simms, PFT: Vikings 20, Raiders 14

Seth Walder, ESPN: Vikings 27, Raiders 14

Eric Moody, ESPN: Vikings 23, Raiders 20

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