Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans: Game preview and prediction

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 and Trevor Davis #11 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate a touchdown during the first quarter during game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 and Trevor Davis #11 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate a touchdown during the first quarter during game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Derek Carr #4 and head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Derek Carr #4 and head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Oakland Raiders have been one of the surprising stories of the 2019 NFL season, and they can really make a statement with a win on Sunday.

The Oakland Raiders head into Week 8 with a 3-3 record, chomping at the bit for a playoff spot. With the Texans being another team competing for a wild card spot, this is one of the most important games of the season.

Both the Raiders and Texans have been inconsistent this season, showing great promise in one week then looking awful the next. The Texans have a notable win this season over the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as a close loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1.

The Texans have not looked great this season, as Deandre Hopkins has not had the impact he has had over the last couple of years, and the play of Deshaun Watson has been inconsistent. Even with the addition of Laremy Tunsil, Watson still is under pressure more often than not.

The Texans currently sit at 4-3, right in front of the Raiders in the AFC standings. Let’s take a deeper look into this Week 8 matchup.