The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off a commanding win against the Houston Texans. They go to the Caesars Superdome to play the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. To stay in the postseason race, both clubs must win this game after digging themselves big holes. The Silver and Black will be able to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race if these bold predictions come to fruition.
3 Bold Predictions For The Las Vegas Raiders
Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller combine for 200 yards
Since the Raiders’ defeat to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller haven’t all played together due to injuries. After missing the Texans game due to a hamstring issue, Waller returned to practice this week. Even though Adams was struck with a bad flu this week, it has since been reported that No. 17 was back at practice today. It looks like the Raiders’ dynamic trio will be on the field together, finally.
For the sake of my bold predictions, I’m going to assume that all three will be available and active for the game on Sunday. Marshon Lattimore, the Saints’ best cornerback, has been out this week with an abdominal injury, and Paulson Adebo has had trouble playing because of a knee injury. The passing game of the Raiders now has a chance to soar as a result.
Adams, Renfrow, and Waller will all have a huge day if they get to face off against backup secondary players. For three players, 200 yards is a lot, but I believe it is doable. The onus is on Derek Carr, but the opportunity will be there. Against a depleted Saints secondary, the three can combine for 200 receiving yards if he can be aggressive and make connections with his wideouts.
The Raiders’ defense scores another touchdown
The Raiders’ defense hasn’t been good, but they have found a way to score touchdowns in both of the Raiders’ wins this year. I think they have a good opportunity to score another one against this Andy Dalton-led offense. In the Saints’ most recent game against the Cardinals, Dalton threw back-to-back pick sixes. Later in the game, he also threw another interception. Knowing that Dalton is coming off a game with numerous turnovers should excite the Raiders’ defensive backs.
The Raiders’ pass rush can affect Dalton’s erratic throwing, which can lead to potential turnovers. I predict that Maxx Crosby forces a strip sack and Divine Deablo returns it for a touchdown. This would mark the Raiders’ second game in a row with a defensive touchdown.
Josh Jacobs’ rushing streak continues
More offense? Yes. This year, the Raiders’ offense has been strong, and I anticipate that they won’t slow down while facing the Saints. Josh Jacobs recently ran for 143 yards against the Texans. Let’s face it, he’ll surely continue his reign of terror on opposing defenses this week. According to NFL Communications, Jacobs can become the fifth player in NFL history to surpass 150 scrimmage yards and have a rushing touchdown in four straight games if he totals those numbers against the Saints. This is definitely doable versus the Saints given how Jacobs has been playing.
The Saints currently rank 21st in terms of rushing yards allowed. So, it only makes sense that Jacobs is set to make history once again. In all likelihood, the Saints will throw the bus at him, but Jacobs won’t be stopped. 160 total yards and a rushing touchdown are calling Jacobs’ name on Sunday.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel