Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders: 5 things to watch for

DETROIT MI - NOVEMBER 22: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders rolls out to pass during the fourth quarter ofd the game against the Detroit Lions on November 22, 2015 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Raiders 18-13. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT MI - NOVEMBER 22: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders rolls out to pass during the fourth quarter ofd the game against the Detroit Lions on November 22, 2015 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Raiders 18-13. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Dallas Cowboys runs for a 83-yard touchdown punt return against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Dallas Cowboys runs for a 83-yard touchdown punt return against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Who starts

Let us start with the starting lineup, as there has been plenty of speculation leading up to preseason game number one. While there are guys out, as in star defensive end Khalil Mack, it will clear the way for some other guys to get valuable experience against the Lions starters.

The offense seems pretty easy to predict, especially the first team, as there will be no big surprises on the Raiders first drive. On defense, this is where it gets tricky, as guys have missed time due to injuries, and basically all three levels of the defense have been turned over from last year.

While starters in the first preseason game never totally equate to who is starting in Week 1, it will be interesting to see some guys fighting for starting spots go up against the Lions ones. The starters will likely only handle the first quarter or so, and after they turn the ball over to the second and third stringers, that is when the game gets really interesting.

Schedule