Minnesota Vikings: Ranking non-divisional games in 2019

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws an interception late in the second quarter while trying to avoid a sack by the Minnesota Vikings defense at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 20: Carson Palmer #3 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter on November 20, 2011 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

6. Week 3 vs. Oakland Raiders

The feature of this summer’s Hard Knocks series comes to Minnesota in Week 3. The Oakland Raiders will be one of the most interesting teams in the league this season. Head coach Jon Gruden leads Antonio Brown and company into U.S. Bank Stadium for a fun matchup early in the schedule.

Oakland is coming off a 4-12 record in 2018 but they drastically altered the roster for the upcoming year. They traded for wide receiver Antonio Brown, signed Trent Brown, Lamarcus Joyner and Tyrell Williams in free agency, in addition to adding three first-round draft picks.

After making headlines last season for trading Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack, Oakland has turned things around. Expectations are high as they enter the new season. The NFL world is stoked to catch them on HBO’s Hard Knocks this summer. The Raiders have a much better roster in place. This will be a must-watch game for Vikings fans and Raiders fans alike.

Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes has a close relationship with Antonio Brown. The two grew up together in the Miami area and attended the same high school. The two are now among the leagues’ best at their respective positions. When Rhodes and Brown last met in 2017, Brown caught five of his 11 targets for 62 yards. Hopefully, Rhodes can shut him down again this time around.

The Vikings won their 2015 meeting with ease, 30-14.

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