Game time is right around the corner for the Silver and Black. The Las Vegas Raiders will open the 2024 season with a “home game” against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. When the bullets finally go live, anything can happen, so let’s venture out with some bold (dare I say, wild) Week 1 predictions.
Prediction No. 1: Tyreik McAllister Returns Raiders’ First Kick For a Touchdown
Former Hamilton Tiger-Cat Tyreik McAllister turned heads with his play during Week 3 of the preseason. Not only did the Charleston alum make a few excellent grabs, he also returned a punt for a touchdown. After proving he can bring an electricity to the return game Las Vegas hasn’t seen in years, McAllister secured a roster spot. Look for that decision to pay immediate dividends when Dicker the Kicker launches the ball No. 32‘s way on Sunday.
Prediction No. 2: The Raiders’ Sack Leader After Week 1 Will Be Tyree Wilson
You feel that Bull Rush, Silent Bob?!
This does not imply that we are experiencing #TyreeSZN, if it exists. However, the Chargers offensive line is still a bit of a question mark. Therefore, the Raiders’ front four will eagerly test the health of quarterback Justin Herbert. With Jim Harbaugh now coaching in L.A., we should expect a heavy dose of the run game. But when those inevitable third and long situations arrive, new defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and defensive leader Maxx Crosby will command a ton of attention.
With Malcolm Koonce out on Sunday, the path to sacks is that much clearer for Tyree Wilson. This will certainly be the case if Wilson lines up against Trey Pipkins III on the interior.
Prediction No. 3: Khalil Mack Concusses Gardner Minshew; AOC Leads GW Drive
If there’s a consistent theme to season openers for the Raiders, it’s unnecessarily close games. Do not expect Sunday to be any different. Harbaugh will undoubtedly use the timeless 63-21 jokes as motivation. On top of that, the Raiders are far from a solved offensive puzzle. A stress-inducing outing could be on the horizon, but the finish could bring a new level of optimism.
Former Raider Khalil Mack has made life miserable almost every time he’s faced the team since his senseless departure. That continues when he hits the Mayor of Mulletown, Gardner Minshew, with a spine-buster so prolific, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson might lower from the rafters and follow it with a People’s Elbow. While we wish Gardner a speedy recovery, this will open the door for Aidan O’Connell to reclaim his place as Raiders starter. AOC will orchestrate a surgical game-winning drive, exorcising the demons of his first visit to SoFi last season.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images