The Silver and Black’s offense is looking to get back on track after underperforming since their bye week. A crucial game at home versus a division rival is the perfect time to do it. As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for Week 16, here are three offensive players to keep an eye on.
WR Hunter Renfrow
Your favorite Pro Bowl snub, one of the most reliable receivers in the league, the slot machine, Hunter Renfrow. The third-year veteran has been having a career year, emerging as Derek Carr’s favorite target week after week.
Renfrow has racked up an impressive 909 receiving yards through 14 games. He has caught five touchdowns and is well on track to break 1,000 yards this week. Renfrow is the Raiders’ leading receiver this season, with 266 more yards than the second-leading receiver, tight end Darren Waller.
If he hits the 1,000-yard mark this season, he would be the first Raiders wide receiver to do so since 2016. Renfrow would join the likes of Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Jerry Rice, and Tim Brown as the only Raiders wideouts to hit 1000 yards in the last 20 years.
Renfrow has shown week after week that he is the best receiver the Raiders have. Hitting the 1,000-yard mark will only prove that to the rest of the league.
QB Marcus Mariota
The infamous Mariota package has a chance to make another appearance this week in Las Vegas. It’s no secret that Carr has been on the hot seat this season, and while interim coach Rich Bisaccia said Las Vegas is not crazy about taking Carr out of center, Mariota had a bigger role in Week 15.
On Monday, Carr threw an interception with under three minutes to go with the Raiders’ playoff hopes on the line, frustrating the team and Raider Nation alike. While this opened the door for a big stop on defense and another game-sealing field goal from kicker Daniel Carlson, it was concerning to say the least.
Mariota has shown he is ready when called upon and can be a dual threat in the backfield. A division rival that hasn’t seen much of him may work as an advantage for a sleepy Raiders offense.
RT Brandon Parker
The Raiders’ offensive line has been their biggest liability through 14 games, and right tackle Brandon Parker hasn’t helped their case.
Parker has nine penalties this season, which ranks fourth in the league according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking and overall grades have yet to break 50 as he has allowed 41 total pressures. Parker’s highlight this season is only allowing four sacks, although the remainder of the offensive line has allowed another 30.
The Raiders’ offensive line is playing for their jobs the remainder of the season, and Parker is no exception. If Parker wants to remain in the starting lineup, or the lineup at all, now is his chance to prove it with Denzelle Good returning next season.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Jeff Bottari