Oakland Raiders Week 3 X-Factors against the Minnesota Vikings
By Matt Holder
The Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings square off for what is an intriguing Week 3 matchup. If the Raiders are going to be successful on Sunday, the following x-factors need to perform well.
After both teams lost to divisional opponents in Week 2, the Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have identical records at 1-1. Obviously dipping below the .500 mark this early in the season is not ideal for either team, giving this game even more significance.
Both teams are fighting to prove that they belong in the playoff discussion and the losing team might be erased from said conversation early.
The Raiders and Vikings are built very differently. The latter possesses a very talented defense and an offense that likes to run the ball, while the former has invested more in its offense and the passing game.
How each team is constructed makes sense when you consider Minnesota’s head coach, Mike Zimmer is a former defensive coordinator and Jon Gruden is an offensive-minded coach.
Sunday will be a testament as to which style is more effective, and if the Silver and Black are going to come out on top, it will be a result of strong performances from the following x-factors.