"If the Raiders can adequately protect quarterback Carson Palmer from a pass rush featuring Jared Allen, there are plays to be made in the Minnesota secondary.

The Vikings lost cornerback Antoine Winfield for the season with a fractured clavicle in a 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, stripping an already leaky pass defense of its best player.

"It definitely changes things," Palmer said. "He's been a great player in this league for a long time. He can play all over the place, in the slot, outside, he can blitz, cover and tackle. Losing him was definitely a hit for them.

"Any time you get in a situation like that, you never know. A guy can come in and have a career game his first game."

Also out for Minnesota is cornerback Chris Cook, who is dealing with domestic battery charges, and starting safety Husain Abdullah is coming off a concussion. The Vikings signed veteran defensive back Bennie Sapp this week for depth.

With the Vikings ranked sixth in rush defense at 93.9 yards per game, opponents have found success through the air.

The Vikings are ranked 30th in the NFL in pass defense, giving up 272.8 yards per game. They've given up 18 touchdown passes with only six interceptions and an opposing passer rating of 101.7. Only the winless Indianapolis Colts (109.7) are worse."