The Las Vegas Raiders are taking on the AFC runner-ups from last season. This game will not be for the faint of heart. Both teams are 0-1 right now.
The Baltimore Ravens are going into their home opener pissed off after losing by a big toe to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders are stumbling in after an embarrassing offensive showing against the Los Angeles Chargers. “Raider Nation” knows this game won’t be an easy victory for the “Silver and Black.”
Keep Lamar In the Pocket
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The biggest thing going against the Las Vegas Raiders is that on paper, the Ravens are a better team. They have the league MVP in Lamar Jackson, a potential future Hall of Fame running back in Derrick Henry, and last season’s number-one-ranked defense. They also might have a breakout star in tight end Isaiah Likely who came within one toe of securing a game-tying touchdown in Kansas City.
If the Las Vegas Raiders win this game, it’ll have to come from the defense. Offensively, the Ravens looked out of sync in week one and a lot of that was because Jackson was uncomfortable with how little time he had to throw in the pocket. Baltimore has a patchwork offensive line, and it’ll be up to Maxx Crosby and the rest of the defense to win this game.
Both Teams Are Already Banged Up
Another massive factor for this game will be injuries. The Las Vegas Raiders are already dealing with a laundry list of injuries. Rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson will be a game-time decision with an illness. Malcolm Koonce remains on IR, while his backup Tyree Wilson might be joining him soon.
Baltimore’s rookie first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins was involved in a car accident and will be out for this week’s game. Adisa Isaac will also be doubtful with a hamstring injury. Notably, Kyle Van Noy also suffered a fractured orbital bone last week in Kansas City and has been loudly critical of how long it took for a doctor to see him in the locker room.
Offense Needs to Show Up
Last week in Los Angeles, the Las Vegas Raiders offense remained in Las Vegas. They never got going aside from one play, and a big part of that was the offensive line. The running game struggled, the passing game was dreadful, and they put together the least amount of points in week one that they’ve had since 2006.
It was an ugly game all around for the Raiders. This week, they need to get the offense some sort of momentum. It will be easier said than done as the Ravens still have an incredibly tough defense. Then again, you always expect to see a top defense when you see the Ravens.
Prediction
It’s not going to be a pretty game for the Raiders. On paper, the Las Vegas Raiders are outmatched. I don’t think this will be the week that they get to win their first game of the season, and 0-2 might be around the time panic sets in.
Both teams are 0-1. But this game will be on the road in Baltimore for their home opener. On top of the Las Vegas Raiders typically being dreadful in games on the East Coast, they are 1-6 on the road against the Ravens. They are likely going to be 1-7 after this one.
Final Score: Las Vegas Raiders 10 Baltimore Ravens 24
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