Week 3 at home, a game there for the taking against an AFC opponent … what could go wrong? But assuming the Vikings learned a lesson against Buffalo last year, this should be a nice bounceback for Kirk Cousins against an Oakland team with a much more forgiving pass defense than the Bills had in '18.
THREE BIG STORY LINES
Carlson comes back to Minnesota
Almost a year to the day after the Vikings released him, kicker Daniel Carlson returns to U.S. Bank Stadium as a member of the Raiders. After his infamous three missed field goals at Lambeau Field led to his release from the Vikings, Carlson has missed only one kick for the Raiders.
Cousins looks to rebound
After an end zone interception spoiled his game in Green Bay, Kirk Cousins faces a team that has allowed 685 passing yards through two games.
Familiar face on Raiders' sideline
The last time Jon Gruden coached a regular-season game in Minnesota, his Bucs won the 2005 opener. Gruden's defensive coordinator is Paul Guenther, who helped coach Mike Zimmer develop his version of the double-A gap blitz while Guenther was Zimmer's linebackers coach in Cincinnati.
TWO KEY MATCHUPS
Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes vs. Raiders WR Tyrell Williams
After a rough day against Davante Adams in Green Bay last Sunday, Rhodes could be asked to shadow Williams, the 6-4 receiver who's been Derek Carr's top target through two games.
Vikings RT Brian O'Neill vs. Raiders DE Benson Mayowa
Mayowa is third in the NFL with 3½ sacks through two weeks, and though he only plays in passing situations, he's been able to make the most of his playing time through two weeks; he's never posted more than six sacks in a season but has beaten right tackles with his speed off the line through two games.
ONE STAT THAT MATTERS
.571 The Raiders' third-down conversion percentage. Oakland has picked up 16 of its 28 third-down attempts, the second-best percentage in the league as it faces a Vikings defense that's been the NFL's best against third downs each of the past two seasons.
THE VIKINGS WILL WIN IF…
They can run the ball effectively enough to build an early lead and make things easier for Cousins than they were last week at Lambeau Field. If they get off to a fast start, they should create a favorable environment for their QB to rebound.
THE RAIDERS WILL WIN IF…
They can put together strong early drives that take the crowd out of the game and make it easier for Carr to operate. The Raiders have a history of strong starts under Gruden, but they've often struggled to keep their production going later in games.