Minnesota Vikings vs Las Vegas Raiders Odds, Picks, Spread & Which Starters Will Play

• The Minnesota Vikings visit the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL preseason play
• Vikings QB Kirk Cousins (COVID) did not make the trip to Vegas
• See the Vikings vs Raiders odds, who’s in and out, and our betting prediction

We’re used to seeing the Raiders turn things over. For the first time since 2013, the Vikings will have a new look, too.

The two teams look horns in preseason play Sunday (Aug 14) in Sin City. Kickoff is set for 4:25pm ET from Allegiant Stadium, a game that can be seen on NFL Network.

Fronting the Raiders is new bench boss Josh McDaniels, who won in his debut at last week’s Hall of Fame Game against the Jaguars.

Kevin O’Connell, a Sean McVay disciple, will make his head coaching debut for the Vikes. He takes over from Mike Zimmer, hoping to infuse some life into a franchise that’s missed the postseason two straight years.

Vikings vs Raiders Odds

Odds as of August 14th at Barstool Sportsbook

The home-side Raiders are 3.5-point favorites against the spread, with a game total set at 35.5.

Despite a midseason coaching change due to Jon Gruden’s resignation, Vegas finished 10-7 and clinched a playoff berth, bowing out in the Wild Card Round against eventual Super Bowl finalist Cincinnati.

Minnesota, on the other hand, couldn’t shake off a 1-3 start to the year, finishing 8-9 and out of the postseason.

Kirk Cousins Out vs Raiders

It wasn’t a certainty Kirk Cousins would have suited up, but a bout with COVID guarantees the Vikings’ starting pivot won’t even be in the stadium.

This is all I need to see for Kellen Mond to get the No. 2 job

Sean Mannion can’t even do this in Madden pic.twitter.com/oujdgIkQ2O

— Adam Patrick (@adampatrickNFL) August 5, 2022

That means opportunities abound for Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion to make their case for backup QB, though it’s unlikely any of the key offensive weaponry will be at their disposal. Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen are all expected to sit this one out.

For the Raiders, Derek Carr could make an appearance, but it would be in a very limited role. It’s another opportunity for Jarrett Stidham and Nick Mullins to showcase for the backup spot.

Two rushing TD's of the night for the silver and black.

Rushing TD No. 2 goes to @Jarrett_Stidham. 🏴‍☠️

📹: @Raiderspic.twitter.com/SuvSwtmkLU

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 5, 2022

Stidham was 8-for-15 for 96 yards with a rush TD and was sacked twice. Mullins was 8-for-11 for 72 yards, so it’s not like they lit the Jags on fire. It’s possible undrafted rookie Chase Garbers gets a more extended look after throwing just six passes in the HOF Game.

There’s little chance any new star additions see the field. Davante Adams and Chandler Jones are likely out. Incumbents Josh Jacobs — who did have five rushes vs Jacksonville — and Darren Waller (hamstring) will also probably stay sidelined.

Minnesota and Las Vegas Players to Watch

In Minny, Sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor has impressed in camp and could be a shifty addition to an already impressive receiving group.

Defensively, keep your eye on the secondary, where first-round pick Lewis Cine is poised to start at safety. Meanwhile, second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr could be lining up opposite Patrick Peterson at the other cornerback spot.

Vikings sixth round pick Jalen Nailor definitely got the best of Andrew Booth Jr on this rep 👀 (via @sosarick) pic.twitter.com/N3BoFwwaC2

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 6, 2022

Raiders fans will be looking in the trenches, where seventh-round pick Thayer Munford is making a case for a tackle spot, challenging Alex Leatherwood (Vegas’ top pick last year) and Brandon Parker.

There’s also a receiver spot to be had alongside Adams, Waller and Hunter Renfrow. The main battle should be between former Chiefs starter Demarcus Robinson and ex-Charger Tyron Johnson.

Vikings vs Raiders Best Bet

These teams are similar in their NFL win total ranks for 2022. Las Vegas is set at 8.5, while Minnesota’s offering is at 9.0.

Granted, these will be far different teams once the regular season rolls around, but consider some of the usual thinking in NFL betting strategies here.

Back at it here at @Vikings practice… I think their new head coach Kevin O’Connell is EXACTLY what Kirk Cousins needed. Strike me down as one who thinks the Vikings will surprise some people this year! @NFLonFOX #GlazeAcrossAmerica #vikings #nfl #nfltrainingcamp #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/KxAvLKHQgA

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 6, 2022

It’s O’Connell’s debut, and while the offensive script should strictly be vanilla, you’d expect the Vikings’ effort to be there. Defensively, they’ve moved to a 3-4 scheme, in the hopes of improving a defense that couldn’t stop the pass (5th-most yards allowed in 2021) or the run (3rd-most yards per carry against.)

While Vegas does have a win and 60 more minutes of 2022 game experience, look for Minnesota to be competitive throughout.

The Pick: Vikings +3.5 (+100)