Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, 11/20/11, 1:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: Oakland -1.5
Current Betting Line: Oakland -1
Opening Total: 44.5
Current Total: 45.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Oakland will enter this contest in a favorable situation after having a few extra days of preparation and rest time after coming away with a 24-17 win over the San Diego Chargers as seven-point road underdogs on Nov. 10. The Raiders are sitting atop the AFC West division at this juncture of the season for the first time since 2002, while the offense hopes that star running back Darren McFadden will be back soon in dealing with a foot injury. “I know we’re getting closer to getting him back out here,” stated Raiders first-year head coach Hue Jackson. Oakland is 3-5 ATS as a favorite the last two-plus seasons.
The Raiders have to be happy with the progress that quarterback Carson Palmer has shown since being acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals, as he averaged 14.95 yards per passing attempt in last week’s game. He posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating through the first three quarters. On the other side of the ball, Oakland ranks 26th in allowing 378.4 yards per game and 28th in giving up 25.9 points a contest.
Minnesota comes off a disappointing 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, which was the team’s worst loss in terms of point differential since Jan. 14, 2001. “Just disgusted,” commented Vikings star defensive end Jared Allen. It was a disappointing result against the only undefeated team in the NFL and getting swept in the NFC North divisional series. The team is set to play its first home game since Oct. 23, coming in with a 1-3 record in front of the home fans. Minnesota is 4-1 ATS after playing in front of a prime-time audience on Mondays.
The Vikings pass rush will need to apply pressure to Palmer and the Raiders passing game, as he’s averaging 9.83 yards per pass attempt. Minnesota always has an advantage when playing inside the dome, but Oakland ranks second in sacks allowed per pass play. Another key will be the Vikings rush defense trying to limit the punishing Raiders rushing attack with Michael Bush in the backfield. Minnesota is sixth in the league in limiting opponents to just 93.9 rushing yards.
Bettors will likely back the Raiders due to their 5-0 ATS mark on the road, while the Vikings are 0-6-1 ATS as a home underdog of three points or less.
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