Here we are again, Raider Nation. The Las Vegas Raiders are fighting for their playoff lives as we end the year. For years now, December has often marked an early end to the season. That was especially true under former head coach Jon Gruden and his annual collapses. However, under Josh McDaniels, the Raiders are playing relevant football this month. They are coming off a win against New England that had a see-it-to-believe-it game-ending play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, an old rival, are up next. It will mark 50 years since “The Immaculate Reception” (Rest in Peace, Franco Harris). There is much on the line this Christmas Eve. Will Raider Nation have a lump of coal or the gift of a victory? Here are three bold predictions for Week 16.
Raiders vs. Steelers: Patrick Graham’s defense comes up big
The defense has been trending upward during this run of four victories in five games. Last week, they were gashed on the ground for a total of 206 yards, but only gave up 112 in the air. The pass rush has been wreaking havoc over the last five games, as they have accumulated 15 sacks. The quarterback situation appears to go back to Kenny Pickett, who had shown improvement before his injury and now is back against a defense riding high. Bold Prediction: The Raiders keep the Steelers under 14 points while picking up four sacks and two turnovers.
Raiders vs. Steelers: Two of the “Big 3” will go over 100
The current and former Pro Bowlers were on the field together for an extended period of time for the first time since Week 4. The result wasn’t breathtaking, but Darren Waller had two key catches, one of which was a touchdown while the other was on the game-tying touchdown drive. With all of them in play, the offense opens up more, and now the defenses have more to worry about. With eyes on Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, and Waller, others will find more openings, and with more one-on-ones, the trio will be able to have a big impact on the game. Bold Prediction: Each of the two will go for over 100 yards and lead the Raiders to another important win.
Raiders vs. Steelers: The run against Pittsburgh continues
For as bad as the Raiders have been for the last twenty years, they have been pretty stout against the Steelers. Since 2002, Vegas owns a 7-4 record against the bitter rival, including four of the last five. In this game, with both teams clinging to playoff hopes, the elements will be in favor of the Steelers. Reports are coming out in the area of low single digits to negative degrees. Thoughts would say this should be a bad loss for Vegas, but with so much against them, the Silver and Black seem to always make a point in these games.
This Christmas Eve, there will be a Raider pillaging just for fun, knocking the Steel Curtain around and upside down and laughing when they’ve conquered and won.
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*Top Photo: Steelers Now