Oakland Raiders Week 8 X-Factors against the Houston Texans

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Offensive tackle Trent Brown #77 of the Oakland Raiders watches from the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Offensive tackle Trent Brown #77 of the Oakland Raiders watches from the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Trevor Davis #11 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Trevor Davis #11 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Trevor Davis

Since his team debut in week four, Davis has become a staple of the Raiders offense with 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. When the offense is at full strength, he holds the team’s number two wide receiver role, and his speed creates matchup issues for opposing defenses.

Pro Football Focus grades Houston as the fourth-worst team in pass coverage, which Oakland has to take advantage of on Sunday. In recent weeks, the Texans have been vulnerable to speed receivers. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and T.Y. Hilton carved up Houston’s secondary for 154 yards and three touchdowns in the last couple contests.

Obviously, Davis isn’t in the same class as the two wideouts mentioned above, but the local product’s 4.42-second 40-yard dash is an asset play caller Jon Gruden can tap into. Last week, quarterback Derek Carr attempted a season-high 12 deep passes and hopefully, this trend continues with some big plays to Davis.

Schedule