Game Preview
The Oakland Raiders were playing some of the best football we have seen out of them in the last decade, defeating the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears in back to back weeks. Derek Carr and the offense were rolling, Josh Jacobs was proving worth the first-round draft pick, and the defense was stepping up more than they have in the past.
After those two wins, the Raiders went on a bye week and came back against the Green Bay Packers, where they would fall 42-24. The offense looked solid for the Raiders, driving down the field with ease, but the redzone mistakes cost them, especially with Derek Carr fumbling the ball into the end zone. This play changed the course of the game, but the real issue was with the Raiders’ defense.
Aaron Rodgers had all day to throw against the Raiders, and he took full advantage of it, carving the Raiders secondary up for five passing touchdowns. With the issue of the Raiders secondary being clear, they decided to trade Gareon Conley away to the Texans, the team the Raiders play this week.
In terms of the matchup with the Texans, Conley was the only corner who could really slow Hopkins down if Oakland were to play man coverage, something they have not done much this season. The Texans will be without Will Fuller, which makes the Worley vs Hopkins matchup that much more important.
The key to victory for the Raiders may not be in slowing down Hopkins but will be more within the pass rush against Deshaun Watson and the Texans offensive line. The Raiders pass rush is going to be on point this weekend, because if they do not get to Watson, it will be a long day.
The Raiders offense should be able to move the ball against the Texans without much trouble. The offensive line has been great this season and should not struggle against the Texans, and Derek Carr should have a big game. Last week, Jacoby Brissett threw for four touchdowns against this defense, so Carr should be able to do similar damage.