The Las Vegas Raiders take on Cincinnati in Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season, and here are three things to watch in the matchup.
The Las Vegas Raiders will play host to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, looking to get back on the right track against a team headed in the wrong direction as well. Cincinnati has looked terrible the last two times out, but are coming off their bye week, and will be looking to get back in the race in the AFC.
Here, we look at three things to watch for in this matchup inside Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Cincinnati: 3 things to watch in Week 11
Can Derek Carr bounce back?
The last two times out, Derek Carr has struggled in a big way, something that must change against a Bengals defense who has not been able to stop anybody as of late. In their last two times out, Cincinnati has been beaten by an MVP in Lamar Jackson, but also by a nobody like Mike White, who beat the Bengals inside MetLife Stadium a few weeks back.
If Carr can’t at least play better against Cincinnati, you have to have some serious questions about this offense moving forward.
Stopping Ja’Marr Chase
We have already listed Ja’Marr Chase as a player who must be stopped in Week 11, as he has the big-play ability to turn this game on its ear in a heartbeat. He and quarterback Joe Burrow have a tremendous relationship and have won a lot of games together, winning a national title together at LSU a few years back.
Making sure he does not hurt them on Sunday has to be paramount for Las Vegas, especially with the way Patrick Mahomes diced them up last Sunday in primetime.
Avoiding the three-game losing streak
The win against Philadelphia seems like years ago, as the franchise has had their issues on and off the field ever since. On Sunday, they will be looking to not only avoid a three-game losing streak but another second-half collapse, something that has been the narrative surrounding this organization for the last two seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders have a chance to right the ship on Sunday against Cincinnati
The Las Vegas Raiders may have lost their last two games, but they can jump right back into the playoff picture with a win on Sunday.
Las Vegas has the talent to win this game outright despite being the underdog, and they have to if they want to remain alive in the playoff race. The Bengals are a dangerous team that is hungry for a win of their own, making this an intriguing matchup inside Allegiant Stadium on Sunday afternoon.