In Week 14, the Minnesota Vikings travel to the Las Vegas Raiders following a bye week.
Teams frequently exhibit both positive and negative tendencies in the run-up to a layoff. Even though this weekend’s opponent is undoubtedly difficult, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert doesn’t see one major trend coming to an end.
On December 8, Seifert stated, “Despite his increased productivity since interim coach Antonio Pierce replaced the fired Josh McDaniels, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will rush for 60 yards (or less).” “Under Pierce, Jacobs has averaged 90.8 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the NFL during that time.”
Jacobs Antonio Pierce placed second in carries during the previous campaign. Despite dropping to seventh in yards gained, he leads the league in carries this season.
In any case, Sunday is expected to feature a lot of him for the Vikings.
JOSH JACOBS BREAKAWAY TD!!!!
📺: #KCvsLV on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/1dOevJjoZZ pic.twitter.com/6iTBeJjCLW— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023
Pierce, who took over for McDaniels and has led the club to a 2-2 record, stated via the team on December 6, “I feel like we’re leaving plays on the field.” You must, after all, do it. We must put an end to our discussion on it.
Vikings Defense Is Prepared for Raiders and Josh Jacobs
After giving D’Andre Swift of the Eagles 175 yards in Week 2, the Vikings’ rush defense “righted itself,” according to Siefert. Since then, D’Onta Foreman of the Bears has the greatest single-game rushing total versus the Vikings, clocking in at 65 yards after needing 15 carries in Week 6.
During that time, Minnesota has faced some of the best backs in the NFL. Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons are on the list.
But the only teams with winning records in that group are the 49ers and the Chiefs. Maybe the Vikings would have fared differently against more formidable opponents.
However, the Vikings’ pressure on the Raiders won’t come solely from the defense.
In Week 14, Vikings Get “Matchup X Factor” Back
After missing seven games due to a hamstring injury, reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson is expected to make his comeback this week.
Later in the story, Seth Walder stated, “If he’s back to full strength, that will be a huge lift to the Vikings’ offense as the team makes a playoff push.” “Minnesota should be up big against the Raiders with Jefferson in the lineup.”
Under center, Jefferson switches back to a different quarterback. yet one that, in his opinion, has been beneficial.
Justin Jefferson Opens Up About Josh Dobbs’ Effect on the Offense of the Vikings
Even with their slight comeback under Pierce, the Raiders are only 5-7 on the year. However, they have proven more resilient against passes than against runs. Additionally, it might take some time for Josh Dobbs and Jefferson to get comfortable in the passing game, which could force the Vikings to rely more on Alexander Mattison and their running game.
But even with Dobbs and Jefferson accompanied by a nondescript opponent across the line of scrimmage, the Vikings offense should be clicking in Week 14.
