MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings bounced back quickly, seizing control early against the Raiders and cruising in the second half of a 34-14 victory Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
On a day when the 1969 Vikings NFL Championship team was celebrated and more than 100 Vikings Legends were in attendance, Minnesota's offense scored on its opening drive via a 35-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen.
Thielen also scored on the ground from a yard out, on a cleverly designed sweep. It was the first rushing touchdown of his career.
The Vikings recorded the 500th victory in franchise history (including regular season and postseason games), improving to 500-427-11.
Dalvin Cook topped the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive game, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries. He had a long rush of 25 and added 33 yards on four receptions.
Alexander Mattison added 58 yards and reached the end zone for the first time, scoring on a 10-yard touchdown run. He rushed 12 times and had a long of 21.
Kirk Cousins finished 15-of-21 passing for 174 yards with a touchdown, no turnovers and a passer rating of 112.0.
The game was the second consecutive home game in which Minnesota didn't attempt a pass in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota outgained Oakland 385 to 302, although 75 yards gained by the Raiders occurred against the Vikings reserves on defense with less than four minutes to play.
The Vikings rushed for a season-high 211 yards on 38 rushes (includes a pair of kneel-downs by Sean Mannion in the victory formation). Minnesota limited Oakland to 88 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Harrison Smith recorded the 21st interception of his career, putting the safety in a tie with Antoine Winfield for ninth-most all-time.
Derek Carr finished 27-of-34 passing for 242 yards with two touchdowns and the pick. He was sacked four times, including twice by Eric Wilson and once each by Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter.
The Vikings improved to 2-1 on the season and will visit the Bears in Chicago in Week 4.
Scoring summary
Q1, 11:21 remaining
Vikings 7, Raiders 0
Adam Thielen catches a 35-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kicks PAT) [6 plays, 76 yards, 3:39 time of possession]
Bang-bang plays: The Vikings covered 55 yards in just two plays with Cousins connecting with rookie tight end Irv Smith, Jr., for a gain of 20. Minnesota followed with a bootleg with Cousins rolling to his left, allowing Thielen ample time to create separation from safety Curtis Riley as he crossed the field from left to right.
Q2, 14:55 remaining
Vikings 14, Raiders 0
Dalvin Cook rushes for a 1-yard touchdown (Bailey kicks PAT) [12 plays, 79 yards, 5:25]
Taking the help: The Vikings converted a third-and-18 with a screen pass and then benefitted from a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty. Minnesota then gained 5 on a third-and-2 and picked up an extra 15 on a facemask penalty against Gareon Conley
Q2, 11:06 remaining
Vikings 21, Raiders 0
Thielen rushes for a 1-yard touchdown (Bailey kicks PAT) [6 plays, 30 yards, 3:07]
More points off another turnover: The run by Thielen helped the Vikings capitalize on excellent starting field position (the Oakland 30) after a 13-yard interception return by Harrison Smith. After scoring a touchdown after each of the three takeaways by the defense against the Falcons in Week 1, Minnesota added a fourth consecutive at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2019.
Q2, 7:26 remaining
Vikings 21, Raiders 7
J.J. Nelson catches a 29-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kicks PAT) [7 plays, 75 yards, 3:40]
Flea flicker: The Raiders dipped into their bag of tricks with Carr executing a handoff to Josh Jacobs and getting the ball back from the running back before firing down the left sideline to an open Nelson.
Q3, 7:28 remaining
Vikings 28, Raiders 7
Alexander Mattison rushes for a 10-yard touchdown (Bailey kicks PAT) [10 plays, 92 yards, 5:25]
Finishing the drive: The Vikings overcame a holding penalty that created a first-and-20 at the Oakland 36 with a 5-yard pass to Diggs that was followed by a 15-yard run by Cook. Mattison got the next two carries, rushing for 6 and then 10, capping the drive with a hurdle over Raiders safety Curtis Riley and into the end zone.
Q 4, 14:55 remaining
Vikings 31, Raiders 7
Bailey kicks a 50-yard field goal [6 plays, 30 yards, 3:19]
Still cooking: Cook ripped off a run for 25 yards to move the ball from the Minnesota 38 to the Oakland 37 in a flash.
Q4, 3:45 remaining
Vikings 34, Raiders 7
Bailey kicks a 24-yard field goal [7 plays, 53 yards, 4:44]
Controlling the clock: The Vikings milked the clock and moved the ball without attempting a forward pass.
Q4, 1:23 remaining
Vikings 34, Raiders 14
Tyrell Williams catches an 11-yard pass from Carr (Carlson kicks PAT) [8 plays, 75 yards, 2:22]
