Minnesota Vikings vs Raiders in Week 3: The Oakland perspective
By Adam Carlson
![Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) picked up a first down as he was tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) at the Oakland Coliseum Sunday November 15, 2015 in Oakland, CA. ] The Minnesota Vikings beat at the Oakland Raiders 30-14 in the Coliseum. Jerry Holt/ Jerry.Holt@Startribune.com (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1156570111-850x560-b3a2042f36583031bb6416f4f050c4734962e7967a1f1591067231eba4a50c75.jpg "Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) picked up a first down as he was tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) at the Oakland Coliseum Sunday November 15, 2015 in Oakland, CA. ] The Minnesota Vikings beat at the Oakland Raiders 30-14 in the Coliseum. Jerry Holt/ Jerry.Holt@Startribune.com (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images)")
2. Who is a player on offense and defense from the Raiders that Vikings fans may not know as well but could make a difference in the game?
Offense: Hunter Renfrow. The Raiders are desperately trying to find that No. 2 option at wide receiver, as Tyrell Williams has emerged as a true WR1 through the first two weeks. Hunter Renfrow, a fifth-round pick of the team this in 2019, has shown flashes through the first two weeks, showing that he can make the tough catches over the middle. He was worked into the offense even more in Week 2, and if he can find space from the slot, he could be an X-factor against Minnesota on Sunday.
Defense: Benson Mayowa. This is a guy who has really come on strong this season, putting together 3.5 sacks already through the first two weeks of the season. Last year, the Raiders managed to muster only 13 sacks as a team, so his addition has been a Godsend. For all the guys the Raiders brought in on both sides of the ball, he has been one of the more productive, and in addition to getting sacks, he has shown that he also has a great nose for the ball, causing fumbles as well.
3. How should the Vikings attack the Raiders in Week 3 in order to have the best chance to come away with a win?
The Raiders showed a major vulnerability in the passing game last week, as Patrick Mahomes and company took advantage deep, leading to four second-quarter touchdowns through the air. This defense has proven to be solid against the run, so Minnesota is going to have to exploit the weaknesses, which are over the top, and especially in the middle with tight ends, and running backs out of the backfield. On defense, they have to find a way to minimize Josh Jacobs, who could see an expanded role this week, and is currently No. 4 in the NFL in rushing yards.