Week 10 Predictions: Vikings at Raiders

[dead_poet]

Our Early Look at the Raiders: Live by the pass, lose by the pass

DEFENSE: We probably don’t need to do much more to explain Oakland’s weakness than give Steelers receiver Antonio Brown’s stat line for Sunday: 17 catches (targeted 23 times) for 284 yards. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 334 yards before leaving with 7:22 left in the game. His backup, the former No. 3 Landry Jones, didn’t have to work any magic to break the 35-35 tie when he got the ball with 1:15 left. A short pass to Brown on third-and-2 because a 57-yard gain against the league’s worst pass defense to set up the game-winning field goal. The Raiders also rank 23rd in third down defense (41.18).

http://www.startribune.com/our-early-lo ... 344850562/

[Norv Zimmer]

31-17 Vikings
I think AP will dominate and Wallace will finally have his big game.
Our defense will again be dominant, maybe a Waynes coming out party ?

[Raptorman]

Well, the goodnews is that the Vikings are underdogs in Oakland. Vegas has the Raiders at -3.0. And over at Pickwathch, 72% have picked the Raiders to win.

[DK Sweets]

Well, the goodnews is that the Vikings are underdogs in Oakland. Vegas has the Raiders at -3.0. And over at Pickwathch, 72% have picked the Raiders to win.

I can't blame them. This game would be dicey even if we weren't worried about Greenway being our only LB or Hill starting at QB.

[Pondering Her Percy]

31-17 Vikings
I think AP will dominate and Wallace will finally have his big game.
Our defense will again be dominant, maybe a Waynes coming out party ?

I like that call

[losperros]

Linval was playing against a backup last week. Don't get me wrong, the guy was a beast last Sunday, but you have to consider the circumstances. I doubt the Raiders will be foolish enough to allow him to beat up on them the way the Rams allowed it.

It would help to have a healthy Floyd next to him. I think that would further elevate Joseph's game.

That being said, AP could take over this game and despite Woodson, Teddy should have some opportunities against a weak pass defense. There is potential for AP to blow up here, he is hitting his mid-season stride. I think if MN can score 20 points they'll win this one.

24-17 Vikings.

I'd be even more concerned if Teddy wasn't playing and Hill took over. Hopefully, Bridgewater passes all his concussion tests and comes into the game healthy because I don't think Hill can lead the team to over 20 points.

[Purple bruise]

I can't imagine this team winning another game with Hill at QB, that being said, Vikes 28-17 with TB and 21-10 Raiders without TB.

[Skoltastic_Voyage]

After watching the raiders Steelers game, and I have been visiting their forum (Ever since week one it was interesting to watch their fanbase going from the mood they didn't think they could win 1 game to thinking they're heading to the SB) I think I have my verdict. My primary concern is we get burnt once or twice and lack the firepower to score quickly. Especially if Hill is QB (unless he is a very different QB then he showed Sunday).

So as per usual here's the 50/50

Vikes 23 Raiders 13

Raiders 28 Vikes 10

I don't see this being a very close game I think it swings one way or the other. However with the hard games coming up ( not that they aren't all hard) a W would
sure help us stay in the postseason picture lets rock! SKOL VIKES....

[Mothman]

Hill's nothing special as a QB but if he gets more reps this week, he might actually provide a boost to the offense against a struggling Raiders defense. It could be "feast or famine" with Hill but he had more than one 2 TD pass performance in 8 starts last year, which is more than can be said for Bridgewater in 8 starts this year.

[losperros]

Hill's nothing special as a QB but if he gets more reps this week, he might actually provide a boost to the offense against a struggling Raiders defense. It could be "feast or famine" with Hill but he had more than one 2 TD pass performance in 8 starts last year, which is more than can be said for Bridgewater in 8 starts this year.

Hill was never great but he does have experience. That said, he just isn't the QB he used to be and physically his skills have always been limited.

Could he pilot the Vikings offense to over, say, three touchdowns? I don't think so, even if AD has a big day. And it's not just Hill. The Vikings passing game keeps coming up short and blowing opportunities, and it certainly isn't all on Bridgewater so it won't all be on Hill. Sorry to sound negative but right now the Vikings simply don't have an explosive passing game for a number of reasons. I don't think Hill can change that.

[Mothman]

Hill was never great but he does have experience. That said, he just isn't the QB he used to be and physically his skills have always been limited.

Could he pilot the Vikings offense to over, say, three touchdowns? I don't think so, even if AD has a big day. And it's not just Hill. The Vikings passing game keeps coming up short and blowing opportunities, and it certainly isn't all on Bridgewater so it won't all be on Hill. Sorry to sound negative but right now the Vikings simply don't have an explosive passing game for a number of reasons. I don't think Hill can change that.

All I'm saying is that I think he could play without the offense experiencing a drop in production and he might even provide a slight boost.

[808vikingsfan]

If the Vikings pass protection were more effective, then I can see Hill being somewhat effective. But with this makeshift line, I think we're gonna get flashbacks of Ponder running for his life if he starts. I don't think Teddy's gets enough credit buying time in the pocket.

[DK Sweets]

If the Vikings pass protection were more effective, then I can see Hill being somewhat effective. But with this makeshift line, I think we're gonna get flashbacks of Ponder running for his life if he starts. I don't think Teddy's gets enough credit buying time in the pocket.

I feel very confident we won't be seeing Hill run for his life.

He's too old to run.

[autobon7]

All I'm saying is that I think he could play without the offense experiencing a drop in production and he might even provide a slight boost.[/quote]


Agree........would be interesting to see who he connects with as most QBs have different connections with different WRs. Remember when Ponder was playing you barely knew Jennings was in the game but when Castle was playing Jennings was his fav target.....and did well. Maybe hook up with Wallace? Waiting for his break out game as a Vik.

[Mothman]

All I'm saying is that I think he could play without the offense experiencing a drop in production and he might even provide a slight boost.

Agree........would be interesting to see who he connects with as most QBs have different connections with different WRs. Remember when Ponder was playing you barely knew Jennings was in the game but when Castle was playing Jennings was his fav target.....and did well. Maybe hook up with Wallace? Waiting for his break out game as a Vik.[/quote]

Good point about the chemistry between different QBs and receivers. Ponder seemed to miss Jennings but find the TEs (especially Rudolph). Cassel had chemistry with Jennings. Bridgewater obviously has some chemistry with Diggs and Johnson. If Hill is forced into action, maybe Wallace will benefit. Hill played with Patterson in the preseason. Maybe he'd benefit from more reps as well if Hill started.

I think Tom and DK made a good point about Hill's mobility. On the other hand, Bridgewater has shown a tendency to hang onto the ball too long at times this year. Maybe Hill, being a veteran, will get it out of his hand quicker.

Of course, he may not need to play at all...