We have just one game to end the Week 1 of the preseason. We’ve already caught the Raiders in the Hall of Fame Game, but this will be the first time we see the Vikings under new head coach Kevin O’Connell. We shouldn’t expect the starters to get too much playing time, so we’ll dive into the depth chart on who sees some snaps.
Derek Carr should see a series or two in this game, but the backups will get the majority of playing time. Last we saw a lot of Stidham as he played the entire first half and the first drive of the second. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stidham gets in early and plays a while, as it looks like he will be the Raiders’ backup.
White made his presence known as many were impressed with the rookie after the Hall of Fame game. We’ll likely see White get a ton of snaps again. His power style is an excellent counter to Jacob’s elusive running, and he’ll show that again.
We already know that Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller will be the top three pass catchers for the Raiders this year, but they will use the next two games to see who will play a significant role. While no one stood out in the first game, Johnson led the team in receiving yards, and he looked like the better receiving.
We should expect very little playing time for Justin Jefferson or Adam Thielen, allowing Osborn to lead this receiving core. Osborn finished third last year in receiving yards and touchdowns, and he will want to solidify that WR3 role for the new coaching staff.
I don’t believe we’ll see much Irv Smith, if at all, in the preseason as he is recovering from recent thumb surgery, but also a torn meniscus that cost him the entire 2021 season. Mundt comes in knowing Kevin O’Connell’s system as he was previously with the Rams with O’Connell. With Tyler Conkin gone, the TE2 spot is wide open, and with Mundt listed second on the depth chart, he should see a ton of snaps.
Punt Plays
The Vikings’ 2022 sixth-round pick could be a steal in the long run. Last year with Michigan State, he had 37 catches for 695 years and six touchdowns in nine games. He has massive playmaking abilities with speed and great hands, averaging 16.9 yards per catch in four seasons at MSU. He should see a lot of playing time and could grab people’s attention by the end of this game.
Another Vikings rookie I believe is going to get a ton of snaps is Chandler. The 2022 fifth-round picks had a breakout season last year, with North Carolina rushing for 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns. We probably won’t see any Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison, leaving Vikings sophomore running back Kene Nwangwu and Chandler taking the snaps in the backfield. Chandler looks to be the better overall back of the two and can be used in the passing game, so don’t be surprised to see him a lot.
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