Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings 2019: Prediction Against The Spread, Betting Odds For Week 3

The Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders have had similar starts to their respective 2019 NFL seasons. Both teams had a decisive victory at home in the opener, only to suffer a disappointing loss against the division favorite in Week 2.

One of them could bounce back in a major way when they meet in Week 3.

Minnesota is an early 7.5-point favorite at home against Oakland, according to the latest betting line at OddsShark. The total for Sunday afternoon’s game is 42.5.

The Raiders upset the Denver Broncos as home underdogs in Week 1. Oakland lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 28-10 as a decided home underdog in Week 2.

Oakland is 1-10 in their last 11 road games. The Raiders’ team that was just beaten soundly will more than likely show up again at U.S. Bank Stadium.

A week before losing to the Green Bay Packers 21-16 at Lambeau Field, the Vikings dominated the Atlanta Falcons 28-12. Minnesota will rebound at home, where they are usually a much better team, especially against lesser competition.

It wasn’t a shocker to see Kirk Cousins struggle on the road against a good team. The quarterback went 14-32 for 230 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against a Packers’ defense that only gave up three points in the season opener. Cousins and the Vikings went 1-6 against playoff teams last year.

Cousins went 7-1-1 against teams that missed the postseason. It’s not going out on a limb to say the 2019 Raiders will miss the playoffs.

Six of those seven victories came by eight points or more. The Vikings also beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers by a touchdown in Minnesota in 2018.

Oakland’s defense played well in Week 1 against Joe Flacco and the Broncos, who have only scored two touchdowns this season. The unit wasn’t nearly as good the following game when Patrick Mahomes threw for 443 yards and four scores.

Cousins is no Mahomes, but he’s also much better than Flacco. Look for him to have his best game of the young season against the Raiders.

The Vikings’ quarterback was uncharacteristically inaccurate when he had time to throw in Green Bay. He won’t have a repeat performance against a Raiders’ defense that has allowed a 120.5 passer rating and will be without safety Jonathan Abram, who landed on injured reserve after Week 1.

Dalvin Cook leads the NFL with 265 rushing yards. He’ll continue to have success and provide opportunities for Minnesota’s passing game to finally thrive.

Derek Carr has had an uneven start to his year, carving up a good Broncos’ defense and then struggling against a below-average Chiefs’ defense. Considering the Vikings shut out Matt Ryan for three quarters and then held Rodgers and the Packers scoreless in the second half in Green Bay, Carr is unlikely to have a ton of success Sunday afternoon.

The Vikings will win this one going away.

Prediction: Minnesota over Oakland, 27-13