The Raiders play an old time rival in the Steelers this week. Unfortunately, Steelers legend Franco Harris died this week. That should give Pittsburgh some extra will in a must win.
It is also going to be cold. We know Derek Carr doesn’t always play well in the cold.
Expect a heavy dose of Davante Adams. He is also a mismatch and good luck tackling him in the cold. Same for Darren Waller. Expect him to have a similar impact as last game. Carr will rely on his safety blankets in Pittsburgh.
On defense, the Raiders must harrass Kenny Pickett. Maxx Crosby didn’t register a sack and neither did Chandler Jones. Hopefully, that changes this week. They also have to wrap up on Najee Harris. Don’t let him break anything off. Denzel Perryman needs another big game.
Versus the Patriots, the Raiders squeezed out a win thanks to a turnover. Some of it was luck and some of it was stupidity by the other team. Either way, we will take it over a team we have not beat in damn near twenty years.
Vegas still needs some help to make the playoffs. It won’t matter if they lose this game. Pittsburgh is favored by 2.5 points, which is not a lot at home. It’s honestly a toss up because you never know what Raiders team you will get.
The Steelers are young but they have speed on the outside. That could make it a long day for the Raiders secondary.
Vegas also can not make it easy with penalties and turnovers again. If the Raiders can execute and minimize miscues they should come out victorious.
The good news is the Raiders will get their guards back as well as Andrew Billings. Billings is going to be needed versus the run. He should also perform better with a smaller role, since the supporting cast is playing better. The Raiders also need their guards back versus a physical Steeler o-line.
Honestly, expect this to be an old school game. Both offenses may make big plays but the team that controls the clock and creates turnovers will win and keep their season going one more week.
