The Las Vegas Raiders look to carry momentum over from last week’s successful trouncing of the New York Giants. On Sunday night, the Silver and Black welcome a Zach Wilson-led New York Jets team to Allegiant Stadium. Can the scrappy Jets piece together another victory? Or will the upstart Raiders move to 2-0 in the Antonio Pierce era? Let’s offer a few bold predictions for the contest, including Sauce Gardner vs. Davante Adams, Aidan O’Connell vs. Zach Wilson, and two porous offensive lines.
Bold Prediction No. 1: Davante Adams Finds The End Zone Against Sauce Gardner
Don’t expect the Raiders to throw the ball outside the numbers often against the Jets. Sauce Gardner is a legitimate All-Pro talent in Year 2, with veteran D.J. Reed posting one of the best seasons of his career. As impressive as this duo is, Davante Adams will get the better of them on at least one occasion.
New York’s front office reportedly inquired about Adams’ availability before the trade deadline but were rebuffed by Raiders owner Mark Davis. Although Adams’ buddy, Aaron Rodgers, is still healing from an Achilles injury, the star wideout will surely want to put on a show in front of his former teammate.
Given how unproven rookie Aidan O’Connell is as a passer, it’s hard to imagine a 10-catch, 100-yard game from Adams on Sunday Night Football. But once the Raiders reach the red zone, I see a high probability that the 30-year-old receiver will find his way to a touchdown. The bold prediction is that it comes at Sauce Gardner’s expense, a player with only two touchdowns allowed in 24 career games.
Bold Prediction No. 2: Raiders Force 3 Turnovers Against Zach Wilson-Led Jets Offense
The Silver and Black defense is humming in 2023, often showing an effort that could make any fan base proud. Sadly, thanks to an abysmal offensive showing thus far, the defense has been unjustly tasked with spending large chunks of time on the field. But make no mistake, the numbers don’t tell the full story.
The Raiders unit is swarming to the football, and it will continue doing so against the patchwork offensive line of the Jets. Maxx Crosby with a strip sack is easy to envision, while Zach Wilson is prone to making a few reckless decisions through the air each game. That sets up well for a couple of interceptions from a defense with eight on the year.
Bold Prediction No. 3: Sack After Sack After Sack — It’s A Raiders Record
Maxx Crosby will record that strip sack we just spoke of, but that’s not all. Throughout the game, Crosby will find his way to Zach Wilson for 5.5 sacks in total, setting the Raiders franchise record for sacks in a game. Khalil Mack and Howie Long currently sit atop the list with five a piece, giving “Mad Maxx” a clear target to chase.
The Jets have allowed 31 sacks on the season, fourth-most in the NFL. Wilson was sacked multiple times by three separate players last week vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu combined for 6.5 sacks on the day; Crosby will nearly match that on his own in front of a national audience.
Bold Prediction No. 4: First Team To 16 Points Wins
Neither offense has been particularly efficient in 2023, but the Raiders are seemingly on the right track after a 30-point effort last week. Still, the team will trot out a rookie signal-caller without superstar left tackle Kolton Miller — that’s not ideal for anyone except the Jets’ pass rushers.
On the flip side, the Vegas defense can punish Zach Wilson all night behind a weak offensive line. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall will make their fair share of plays, but New York putting up several scoring drives on the road? That’s unlikely.
Unfortunately, the Jets flex one of the best defenses in the entire league, with All-Pro talent littered across the roster. That presents quite an obstacle for Aidan O’Connell and the Raiders’ entire skill position group. Ultimately, whichever team wins the race to 16 points will win the game itself. Buckle up for a defensive battle in Sin City.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images