Three must-win games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lamar Jackson. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Jackson. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Three must-win games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

Baltimore Ravens, Week 1

The stage is set, as the 2020 inaugural season for the Silver and Black in Las Vegas was a dress rehearsal in front of an audience of stadium workers, media members, and team officials. With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to let up, the Raiders expect to allow fans back at games, and into the state of the art mothership aptly named the Death Star.

The Raiders must set the tone early at home as they face the Baltimore Ravens led by former league MVP Lamar Jackson. Jackson, a quarterback who has a penchant for running, will be the first test for the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley.

Bradley replaced the much-maligned Paul Guenther, who was fired during the 2020 NFL season and had the Raiders in the bottom of the NFL in defense the last two seasons.

The Raiders free agent signing, Yannick Ngakoue is familiar with this Baltimore team, as he spent the last season with the Ravens, and is undoubtedly excited for the opportunity to square off with his former squad. The last time the Silver and Black took on the Ravens, it was a 34-17 loss in which Jon Gruden ultimately won in the long run, when the team signed Darren Waller off the Ravens practice squad shortly after.