Oakland Raiders at New York Jets: 3 players to watch in Week 12

Fresh off a three game home stand where the Oakland Raiders went 3-0, they now travel to the Big Apple to face off with the New York Jets. Here are three players to watch in the Week 12 contest.

At 6-4, the Oakland Raiders are right in the thick of the playoff picture in the AFC West. Only a half game behind the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders could find themselves tied for the division lead heading into a match up with the Chiefs in Week 13.

If Oakland beats New York in Week 12, they will head to Kansas City in Week 13 with both teams at 7-4, the winner will likely win the division.

First things first however, the Raiders must take care of business against the Jets on Sunday. The recipe has become perfected by now for the team. When they establish the run and let Josh Jacobs do his thing behind the massive offensive line and fullback Alec Ingold, the team succeeds. The running game opens up play action and typically allows Derek Carr to audible in and out of plays, choosing what he deems as the best play to tear up the opposing defense.

Unlike recent weeks, the opponent is solid against the run and will make it a challenge for Jacobs and the Raiders offense. The Jets are actually the highest ranked defense in rushing yards allowed per game, only giving up 79.1. Will the potent Raiders rushing attack that averages 128.2 yards per game be able to get the better of the Jets front seven? That might be the biggest story line heading into Sunday.

With that in mind, let’s look at three players to keep an eye on during Sunday’s showdown between two of the NFL’s longest standing franchises.