This Is How The Vikings Will Win In Las Vegas

The Minnesota Vikings managed to hang on to a wild-card playoff spot despite being on their BYE in Week 13. However, the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers are also in contention.

With the standings as close as they are, this Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is important for the Vikings. The team is on a mini two-game losing streak, falling to the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears in consecutive prime-time appearances.

So how can Minnesota get back on track? Here are three keys to a Vikings victory over the Raiders.

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The Starting Quarterback

Following the loss to the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 12, head coach Kevin O'Connell was hesitant to commit to Josh Dobbs as the Vikings' starting playcaller.

Dobbs had been a must-needed boost on offense following the season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins. Dobbs led the Vikings to two victories in his first two outings and looked fairly good in the Sunday Night Football loss to Denver. However, the magic seemingly ran out against Chicago, a game in which the 28-year-old threw four interceptions.

Although a starter hasn't been officially named at the time of publishing, I believe Josh Dobbs gives this team the best chance to win. The way he can create plays with his legs is a welcome sight to a Vikings fanbase that hasn't seen that in their starting QB in some time.

A Superstar Returns

There's no debating the impact that Justin Jefferson has in this Vikings offense, and he has certainly been missed during his stint on the injured reserve. Thankfully for Vikings fans, the three-time Pro Bowler is set to return to the lineup this weekend.

Jefferson had missed the previous seven games with a hamstring injury. Before the injury, he recorded 571 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 36 receptions.

With Jefferson sliding back into the lineup, it will take some pressure off Jordan Addison, who to his credit, has done a good job since Jefferson went down. The resurgence of the star wide receiver could be the factor that helps push the Vikings over the Raiders.

Another Strong Vikings Defensive Performance

You can't blame the defense for the last two heart-breaking losses. Sure, they gave up the game-winning score in back-to-back weeks, but they also held their opponents to a combined 33 points.

Brian Flores has done a fantastic job with the Vikings' defense. The Vikings have averaged 320.3 yards per game to opposing offenses and have allowed the eighth-lowest points per game at 20.2.

Danielle Hunter is having a great season. The former third-round draft selection is tied for the NFL lead with 13.5 sacks and leads the team with four forced fumbles.

If the Vikings' offense is set on turning over the ball every chance they get, the defense will need to continue to hold teams to field goals and get plenty of pressure on the opposing QB.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota is a three-point favourite at the time of publishing. The total is set at 40.5. Minnesota won the last meeting between these two teams. It was a 35-14 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2019.

If Justin Jefferson can make an impact, and Dobbs can limit the turnovers, I like the Vikings chances on Sunday.