Vikings vs. Raiders Preseason Prediction
Josh McDaniels will make his debut as head coach for the Raiders on Sunday afternoon when Las Vegas hosts the Vikings at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Is 4.5 too big a number to lay with the host Raiders?
Game Matchup & Odds
135 Minnesota Vikings (+4.5) at 136 Las Vegas Raiders (-4.5); o/u 37
1:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 13, 2022
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Minnesota Vikings DFS Spin
Kirk Cousins tested positive for COVID and will not play in the Vikings’ preseason opener Sunday. He’ll distance himself for a minimum of five days. Cousins, of course, tested positive ahead of Minnesota’s critical Week 17 game against the Packers last season, forcing Sean Mannion to start the must-win contest. They obviously lost. Cousins will be fine well in time for Week 1.
Las Vegas Raiders DFS Spin
McDaniels confirmed Friday that Darren Waller is “working to get back” from a hamstring injury. Waller hasn’t practiced in August, but the tight end will allegedly be back next week. It doesn’t sound overly serious. 30 next month, Waller is looking for a rebound season in a more advanced offense after missing six games and parts of others last year. Waller is currently being drafted as the TE4 in fantasy behind Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and Kyle Pitts.
Vikings vs. Raiders Betting Trends
Over is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings
Over is 7-1 in Vikings last 8 games overall
Raiders are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass
Vikings vs. Raiders Prediction
McDaniels takes over as head coach of the Raiders in what could be his final opportunity to head a NFL team. His first stint as a head coach didn’t go well in Denver and then he left the Colts at the altar after saying initially that he would take the job (he even hired some of his assistants and then took off). NFL preseason games are difficult to forecast but I’m willing to bet that McDaniels wants to send a message to his players, the front office and the rest of the NFL that he won’t take this opportunity for granted. With Cousins not playing for the Vikings and the Raiders having more overall depth, I’m laying the number with Vegas.
NFL PRESEASON PREDICTION: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS -4.5