Late field goal lets Vikings beat Raiders 3-0

Field Level Media|published: Sun 10th December, 19:28 2023

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. credits: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Joseph made a 36-yard field goal with 1:57 remaining to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 3-0 win over the host Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Joseph's kick proved to be enough for Minnesota (7-6). The Vikings' defense did the rest, limiting the Raiders to 202 total yards and stuffing 11 of 14 third-down opportunities.

Aidan O'Connell completed 21 of 32 passes for 171 yards and an interception for Las Vegas (5-8). Davante Adams caught seven passes for 53 yards.

Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. intercepted O'Connell with 1:52 remaining to seal the win. Pace finished with 13 tackles and one sack to go along with his first career pick.

Vikings backup quarterback Nick Mullens took over in the fourth quarter and led the drive that created the game's only points. Mullens completed 9 of 13 passes for 83 yards.

Mullens replaced starter Joshua Dobbs, who was benched after completing 10 of 23 passes for 63 yards. He also rushed five times for 21 yards.

The game was riddled with injuries to starters for both teams.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson sustained a chest injury in the first half and did not return. Jefferson was taken to a hospital in the second half for precautionary reasons.

The three-time Pro Bowl wideout was injured while making a 15-yard catch. He leaped and raised both of his arms to grab a high pass from Dobbs, and while his ribs were exposed he absorbed a hard hit from Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

Jefferson finished the game with two catches for 27 yards. It was his first game back after he missed the previous seven games because of a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Vikings running back Alexander Mattison departed with an ankle injury in the second half. He finished with 10 carries for 66 yards.

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs limped off the field with a right knee injury during the fourth quarter. The fifth-year veteran finished with 13 carries for 34 yards to go along with two receptions for 16 yards.

Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill also sustained an ankle injury and did not return.

—Field Level Media

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