Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 game-by-game predictions
Week 1 – vs. Baltimore Ravens: Win
Everything is lining up for the Raiders to take this opening Monday night game. The Ravens have been hit with multiple injuries and may have trouble finding continuity on offense to start the season, something the Silver and Black should be able to take advantage of.
The key will be if this new defense can neutralize Lamar Jackson, which is easier said than done. The Raiders led the league in miss tackles in 2020, and if that isn’t fixed in 2021, it’ll be a long night. However, with Baltimore’s running back depth shrinking, Jackson may have too heavy a burden to carry in week one.
On offense, this new work offensive line will get all it can handle against the Ravens and will have to communicate against the exotic blitz-happy Wink Martindale scheme. But if they can hold up, I see the Raiders making plays against the secondary in 0 coverage. Darren Waller, in particular, could have a huge game.
I see the Raiders starting the season with a win.
Record: 1-0