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Oakland Raiders Week 3 X-Factors against the Minnesota Vikings

By Matt Holder

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders tries to avoid the tackle of cornerback Isaac Yiadom #26 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders tries to avoid the tackle of cornerback Isaac Yiadom #26 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Darren Waller

The Raiders tight end has quickly become a focal point of the offense as he has caught 13 out of 15 targets for 133 yards. Darren Waller’s receptions and yards are already career highs, and this trend needs to continue in Week 3 for Oakland to put up points on Sunday.

Safety Harrison Smith presents an interesting challenge for the Raiders emerging star. Smith is widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the league and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Through two weeks, the former All-Pro has allowed a completion percentage of 40 percent and eight receiving yards.

Seeing as Waller is the second leading receiver for Oakland, expect Smith to follow the pass catcher just about everywhere he goes on Sunday. Winning this matchup will be key for the Raiders success, however, it is a very tall task.

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