Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the New York Jets in Week 13

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst #73, cornerback Damon Arnette #20 and linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after Morrow intercepted a pass from quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst #73, cornerback Damon Arnette #20 and linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after Morrow intercepted a pass from quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr has to step up with Josh Jacobs out Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr has to step up with Josh Jacobs out Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the New York Jets in Week 13

Quarterback Derek Carr

Last season, the loss to the New York Jets was the beginning of the end of the Raiders’ playoff run, as they would lose five of six down the stretch and miss the playoffs once again. Quarterback Derek Carr played terribly in that game and was eventually pulled due to the fact the Raiders were not even competitive against a 3-7 Jets team.

This season, Carr has silenced a lot of his haters with his play on the field, but last week was a stinker for the seventh-year starter, and he has to get this offense back on track. Like we stated earlier, Las Vegas is going to be without Jacobs, and while Booker is a capable backup, he is just that, a backup, so Carr has to step up and command this offense against a bad Jets defense.

If Carr can revert to the form we saw before the Falcons debacle, the Raiders should have no problem getting out to a lead over the Jets, and beating them soundly in the process. The Raiders are a better team, even with the star power missing in Week 13, but if Carr struggles to protect the ball for a second straight week, there is no reason why the Jets can’t sneak up and win their first game of the season.

Schedule