The NFL was treated to a rare sight on Sunday night, as the Vikings defeated the Raiders 3-0 in the lowest-scoring NFL game since 2003.
The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams struggling to move the ball down the field. The Vikings were able to get on the board first with a field goal in the second quarter, and they added another in the fourth quarter to take a 6-0 lead. The Raiders had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but their drive stalled inside the Vikings’ 10-yard line and they were forced to settle for a field goal attempt that missed wide right.
The Vikings’ defense was the star of the show, as they held the Raiders to just 186 total yards and forced three turnovers. The Vikings’ offense wasn’t much better, but they were able to do enough to get the win. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for just 122 yards, but he was able to make plays when it mattered most.
The win was the Vikings’ sixth in a row, and they now sit atop the NFC North with a 7-3 record. The Raiders, meanwhile, have now lost four straight games and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
The low-scoring affair was a reminder of just how important defense is in the NFL. While offenses are often the stars of the show, it was clear on Sunday night that defense still wins championships. The Vikings proved that with their impressive performance against the Raiders, and they will look to continue their winning streak as they head into the final stretch of the season.
