We are back with another Las Vegas Raiders game to prepare for, and at this point, simply reading the preview may constitute more effort than the coaching staff showed in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
That performance offered no indication that the Raiders still care about these games, a troubling sign as the season winds down. Even so, we remain your one-stop guide for injury updates, fantasy angles, gambling picks and everything else you need to know before kickoff.
Vibes
What vibes? At this point, everyone has moved on from the season. The Raiders have nothing to play for and are staring at the likelihood of another blowout. Meanwhile, the Texans are surging and increasingly look like legitimate contenders for the AFC South title.
Injury News
For the Raiders, the injury report is surprisingly positive—depending on your perspective. There are no major concerns, and Geno Smith appears ready to start again. That may not thrill most fans, but Kenny Pickett offered no improvement last week, and it is evident the coaching staff has little interest in turning back to Aidan O’Connell. This may simply be the best of several imperfect options.
Houston’s situation is more meaningful. The Texans could be without rookie running back Woody Marks and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., two key contributors. Still, given the opponent and their position in the standings, Houston can afford to rest both without jeopardizing much.
Fantasy Focus
If you can get the Texans’ defense this week, do it. One of the league’s top units is facing one of its worst offenses, a matchup that speaks for itself. On the Raiders’ side, it is difficult to trust anyone after last week’s performance and given the strength of Houston’s defense. Brock Bowers remains a low-end TE1, and Ashton Jeanty is a risky flex option. That is the full list.
For Houston, if Woody Marks is ruled out, Nick Chubb becomes a strong start. Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz are also viable plays at wide receiver and tight end. As for C.J. Stroud, the likely game script caps his ceiling, making him a low-end QB1 at best.
Gambling Corner
The best play this week is the over 37.5 total points. There are multiple paths for it to hit. If the game is competitive, it should clear easily. If it turns into a blowout, the Texans could threaten the number on their own, and it is difficult to imagine the Raiders being shut out in back-to-back weeks. Avoid the spread at +14.5; that is simply too large in any NFL game. For props, Nico Collins and Nick Chubb both offer strong value to score at +105 and +130, respectively.
Expectations
At this stage, the only reasonable expectation for Raider Nation is simple: points. Another scoreless outing would mark the team’s third of the season, an indictment severe enough that leaving Pete Carroll and his family-slash-staff on the tarmac might feel justified.
Final Prediction: Raiders 13, Texans 27
*Top Photo: NFL.com