The Las Vegas Raiders now find themselves in an interesting position. With the bye week behind them, the Silver and Black face what many are calling a “favorable” stretch of games. It should go without saying that Raiders fans know their team never makes it easier for themselves. The same thing was echoed back in 2019 and 2020 in terms of the schedule, and we know how that ended up. Well, here we are in a similar scenario in 2022. Can the Raiders turn it around against the Houston Texans and Love Smith’s formidable pass defense? Well, here are three bold predictions for today’s matchup.
Texans vs. Raiders: Prediction No. 1 – The Defense Has Itself A Productive Day
We’ve seen worse from the Raiders’ defense in past seasons. While not exactly terrible, Patrick Graham’s unit hasn’t done much in the turnover department, a concerning notion five games in. Let’s tally it up, so far, the Raiders have two interceptions and one fumble recovery, not exactly eye-popping. The defense has also registered eight sacks, though it should be noted that six of those belong to Maxx Crosby. As far as the Texans matchup, Crosby and Co. face an offensive line that’s given up 12 sacks. It’s shaky pass protection at best for Davis Mills, so that equates to an excellent opportunity for the Raiders’ d-line to feast. If Graham’s unit can cause havoc, disrupt the pocket, and get in Mills’ face, the Texans will make mistakes. Either they force bad throws, or they take a sack. It could be a long day. As far as predictions go, let’s go with four sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions.
Texans vs. Raiders: Prediction No. 2 – Josh Jacobs Set Another Career-High, Again.
Josh Jacobs is currently the third-leading rusher in the league and has had back-to-back career days. He faces a Texans defense that is giving up 164.8 rushing yards a game and is ripe for the bell cow to slice through them like a hot knife through butter. Let’s face it, Jacobs is on a tear. The man who should’ve been the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year had his fifth-year option declined this offseason.
Despite offseason speculation about his future (which was shot down by Josh McDaniels during the preseason), Jacobs has been on a mission, and that should continue against the Texans. With everything on the line and so much momentum behind Jacobs, we should see 165 yards with two touchdowns and an AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor as well.
Texans vs. Raiders: No. 3 – Las Vegas Runs Away With This Game
It has been the call of the Raiders to keep a game close or to take the foot off the gas. That, of course, leads to fans having a cardiac episode. Having blown two big leads this year, the team has hopefully learned its lesson. If the Raiders get a lead, will they hold onto it? In terms of a prediction, the defense is going to have its best performance in years. The team knows what’s on the line, and a loss here would essentially end this season. With all the pressure and hype, this team will come out ready to rewrite the narrative and give the fans a much-needed blowout victory. The game will end with no less than a two-score victory for the Raiders.
*Top Photo: Bob Levey/Getty
