The Minnesota Vikings become the last team to get the 2022 preseason underway when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. The game will be televised on NFL Network and in the home markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Vikings vs. Raiders, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
It’s unclear whether the Vikings had any intention of playing QB Kirk Cousins, but that point was rendered moot when the quarterback tested positive for Covid. He won’t be making the trip which will give the team a chance to get a long look at QBs Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion — both of whom are viewed as potentially not being on the final roster if a better backup becomes available.
The Raiders didn’t play any of their starters in the Hall of Fame Game — a 27-11 blowout win over Jacksonville Aug. 4 in Canton, Ohio. The extra game shouldn’t change things too much and it wouldn’t be surprising to see nothing but backups in this game as new coaches Josh McDaniels and Kevin O’Connell try to figure out the back end of their rosters.
Vikings vs. Raiders odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:26 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Vikings +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Raiders -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Vikings +3.5 (-108) | Raiders -3.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Vikings at Raiders picks and predictions
Prediction
Raiders 23, Vikings 14
Money line
Given the Raiders have already played a game, those who are on the bubble or fighting for their NFL lives will have a leg up on the Vikings, who are changing their defense to a 3-4 for the 1st time in franchise history and still learning the terminology of the new coaching staff. I believe the Raiders are going to win, but I rarely place a bet wagering twice as much as I would get in return — much less in a meaningless preseason game.
PASS.
Against the spread
The Raiders are viewed as the better team in this matchup, primarily because their 2nd and 3rd lines on the depth chart are better than the Vikings. A 3.5 spread shows that confidence.
The line seems to be goading people to put their money on Las Vegas because, as millions can attest each year, you lose money betting in Vegas. But the combination of the Vikings trying to figure out the depth beyond the starting 22 and the Raiders starting to figure out who will be staying and going, the Raiders have the edge.
BET RAIDERS -3.5 (-112).
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Over/Under
These are the most difficult bets in the preseason because most coaches are more concerned about keeping the players they expect to stay on the roster not risking injuries. Games are decided by and large by players who won’t be on the rosters.
Because these players will be taking risks to make the big play that gets the attention of the coaches and front office, an Over/Under of 36.5 isn’t that difficult to beat. It may require 20 or more points in the first half to accomplish, but both teams will have some home run plays dialed up and given the inexperience of the back-end defenders, you only need a couple of them to hit.
TAKE OVER 36.5 (-112).
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