3 matchups the Vikings should worry about in Week 3 vs. the Raiders

Darren Waller vs. Vikings defense

If you tuned into Hard Knocks this summer, you know the story surrounding Darren Waller. The Raiders tight end spent two years out of the NFL after battles with drug addiction and after a failed stint with the Baltimore Ravens, he’s in the process of reviving his career with Oakland.

In the first two weeks, Waller appears to be a game-changer in the middle of the field thanks to his speed (his 4.46 40-yard dash time was in the 71st percentile among wide receivers in the 2015 draft class via MockDraftable) and playmaking ability which has led to 13 receptions for 133 yards so far this season (both are already career-highs).

While the Minnesota Vikings were able to hold Jimmy Graham without a catch in their loss to the Packers, they did show some vulnerability to another athletic tight end in Week 1. Atlanta Falcons tight end had a solid game against the Vikings when nobody else did, reeling in nine catches for 77 yards in the opener.

Unlike Graham, who is at the end of his career, Hooper represents a more athletic type of tight end which the Vikings have had issues with dating back to last season. While Oakland doesn’t have many weapons in the passing game outside of Tyrell Williams, Waller could be a huge X-factor and one the Vikings will have to pay attention to on Sunday.