Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 players to watch in Week 1

Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders take on the Ravens
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 players to watch in Week 1

Lamar Jackson

You can’t talk about this game and not mention the former MVP quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson’s play will dictate the outcome of this game, one way or the other, as his dual-threat ability is unseen in this day and age of football.

He has faced criticism from all avenues for his passing skills compared to that of his running, but the Ravens have remedied this by tailoring the offense to his talents as well as inabilities. With a depleted offense featuring the recent season-ending injury to Ravens running back JK Dobbins, and a slew of injuries to the wide receiver corps, the Ravens will have its hands full trying to surround Jackson with support.

He should be on the run much of the game due to this, but the Raiders should also have their hands full with Jackson, and the key to victory should be to stack the box if they have any chance of containing him. Either way, the play of Jackson will determine the victory or loss for the Baltimore Ravens, and as he has proven in the past, he is more likely to lead his team to a victory than walk off the field in defeat.