The Minnesota Vikings haven’t been bad. Further, the purple gang is not boring either. They boast show makers like Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, that are fun to watch. Instead, Minnesota has been stuck in a ditch of mediocrity. So, Mike Zimmer is out. Whether Kevin O’Connell will be a better NFL betting odds coach than Mike Zimmer is debatable. In sum, Zimmer was 72-56-1 with the Vikings, which isn’t bad. O’Connell, age 37, brings a resume highlighted by just three seasons as an offensive coordinator. He has just one partial season as a primary play-caller.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders NFL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Sunday, August 14, 2022, 4:25 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| TV Coverage: | NFL Network |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | +3½ (-110) | 34 (-110) | +145 |  |
| Raiders | -3½ (-110) | 34 (-110) | -170 | |
| ||||
Vikings at Raiders SBG Odds Overview
In this situation, the Raiders will draw most of the online wagering support. Las Vegas is a popular public team. And Sin City’s hometown club. Minnesota lacks public cache, even in the preseason.
Minnesota Vikings – Time for a Change
Indeed, Minnesota went as far as it could go with the old setup. That had been clear for a couple of seasons, at least. But Zimmer was never bad enough to fire. Until an 8-9 record last season was a reason to pull the plug. A final-play loss to the then-winless Detroit Lions in Week 13 proved fatal.
Following their 2017 NFC championship game against Philadelphia, the Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins was touted as the final asset needed for a Super Bowl berth. Instead, the Vikings have never come as close as they did five years ago. Further, Zimmer failed to get Minnesota into the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
Now, O’Connell will be tasked with getting Cousins up to speed once and for all. Cousins puts up respectable stats but fails to win games. With Cousins as the quarterback, the Vikings have been one of the NFL’s most frustrating teams.
Las Vegas Raiders Team Overview
Following a tumultuous series of bad off-field incidents, the Raiders reset their leadership group. Head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler replace Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. As a result, there is new energy. And a fresh mindset that guided the Raiders to a good offseason.
Consider that Las Vegas added game-changers at wide receiver Davante Adams and pass rusher Chandler Jones. Additionally, they locked up quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Maxx Crosby with long-term contracts. In sum, the Raiders recovered well in the offseason. Now Las Vegas is in the conversation as a possible contender.
McDaniels is the longtime offensive coordinator with the Patriots. He flopped in his first head coaching gig at Denver a decade ago. But he says he has learned from the mistakes that sabotaged that gig with the Broncos. Since his Mile High humiliation, McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation.
Certainly, the Raiders have the makings of a powerful offense. They boast a defense that has more assets than liabilities. Thus, the Raiders should be able to match up with any team on their schedule confidently.
Vikings at Raiders SBG Free Pick
Last week the Raiders won their preseason opener against Jacksonville. Overall, Las Vegas brings strong Pro football Bets momentum to this game.
Vikings at Raiders SBG Best Bet: Las Vegas Raiders.