On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings will host the Las Vegas Raiders as both teams kick off their respective preseason schedules, and both teams have plenty of intrigue at quarterback to follow during the exhibition games.
Here’s everything you need to know about this Week 1 preseason matchup between the Raiders and Vikings, including how to watch, how to listen, the start time, and more.
Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
- Start time: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, 4 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- Radio stations: Raiders Nation Radio 920AM, Minnesota Vikings Radio Network
- Starting QBs: TBD, Sam Darnold
- Betting lines:
- Spread: LV -3.5
- Total: 39
- Moneyline: LV -192, MIN +160
Minnesota finds itself in a restaging period. However, it could have already found its quarterback of the future.
The Vikings traded up one spot in the 2024 NFL Draft to select J.J. McCarthy of Michigan. In exchange for the 10th overall pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick (PK Will Reichard), Minnesota sent the Jets the 11th pick (OT Olu Fashanu), a 2024 fourth-round pick (RB Isaac Guerendo), and a 2024 fifth-round pick (CB Chau Smith-Wade).
While free agent Sam Darnold will start for Kevin O’Connell’s squad in the short term, the Vikings seem ready to prepare McCarthy to take over as the long-term option after Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Only Minnesota’s front office and coaching staff know how long that will take. In the meantime, it’s Darnold’s show.
Whoever is under center can rest easy knowing their most explosive weapon is under contract through the 2028 season. WR Justin Jefferson signed a massive four-year, $140 million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Combined with second-year WR Jordan Addison, who was tied for the fourth-most receiving TDs in his rookie season (10), the duo creates a safety blanket for their new QB.
On the defensive side, the Vikings agreed to terms with three linebackers in free agency: Blake Cashman, Johnathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel. All three are expected to start and should immediately impact defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.