Week 7 for the Las Vegas Raiders is just a few days away. Their next opponent, the Houston Texans, are hitting the road, with both teams coming off of their bye weeks as well. Raiders fans are anxious to see if Josh McDaniels’ squad will come out swinging with the 2022 season likely in the balance. A 1-5 start to this season would surely squash any hopes of the playoffs. With that being said, here are three notable stats to keep in mind as Sunday’s Texans vs. Raiders contest inches closer.
Texans vs. Raiders Stat No. 1 – 85 Rushing Yards
In many ways, 85 might be the magic number for the Raiders’ defense this Sunday. As the team’s digital reporter, Levi Edwards, pointed out, the Silver and Black have not allowed more than 85 rushing yards to anyone. There have been three opponents who have compiled more than 100 yards on the ground, including the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the bye. However, no individual player has crossed the century mark when facing the Raiders.
Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been on a tear since Week 3, having some impressive outings ever since. That includes a formidable Week 4 effort against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he amassed 131 yards on the ground. He also averaged nearly ten yards a carry (9.36) in that contest. Can he do the same against Maxx Crosby and the rest of that front seven?
Texans vs. Raiders Stat No. 2 – 60% Completion Rate
Historical matchups and the history that they provide can be a bit misleading sometimes. In the case of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, this could hold weight. Nevertheless, against the Texans, Carr has had a fairly favorable stat line. Seven career touchdowns against the Texans with a passer rating of 100.1, per Stat Muse, is impressive. Even more striking is the fact that in three matchups against them, Carr has never thrown for less than a 60-percent completion rate. At the same time, those defenses (2014, 2016, and 2019, respectively) are vastly different than what he’ll be facing on Sunday. Ironically enough, Carr’s current completion percentage sits at 61.4 percent for 2022. Keep an eye on Carr’s performance this Sunday; the Raiders will obviously need another precise game from their signal-caller.
Texans vs. Raiders Stat No. 3 – 10 Yards Per Reception
The Raiders’ secondary was dealt a major blow this week when it was announced that Nate Hobbs would be headed to the IR. At the same time, Anthony Averett will finally be returning, but is that enough? The reason that you see 10 yards per reception up there is that the Raiders’ corners are going to be tested in Week 7. Making sure that Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins don’t torch the team for big plays is going to be pivotal, simply put. Neither receiver is averaging less than that this season for the Texans. Collins is racking up nearly 20 yards per catch (18.1) each game, and Cooks, the savvy veteran, is just shy of the 10-yard mark (9.8). Collins, at six-foot-four and 215 pounds, in particular, will present a challenge for the Raiders. Will the secondary hold up in Week 7?
*Top Photo: Toro Times