The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Washington Football Team on Sunday, and here are three bold predictions for the crucial matchup in Week 13.
The Las Vegas Raiders will welcome the Washington Football Team into Allegiant Stadium on Sunday afternoon for a game that is crucial to both teams’ playoff aspirations. Washington is riding a three-game win streak, currently sitting at 5-6, and is in possession of the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.
The Raiders, on the other hand, have a 6-5 record, following their Thanksgiving victory over the Cowboys, and currently sit less than a game out of the final Wild Card spot in the AFC. It seems as if both of these organizations have had opposite trajectories this season, to ultimately wind up in a similar position in week 13.
For both teams, this is a can’t-afford-to-lose game.
Washington has been hot as of late, as they have stacked three wins in a row. Following a disappointing 2-6 start, the Football Team has been able to find an identity defensively. Despite the loss of Chase Young, Washington has allowed just 18 points per game throughout their win streak, including allowing only 19 to Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke has been quite impressive as well, throwing five touchdowns and just one interception since week 10.
The Raiders, conversely, have been stumbling since their bye week. After beginning the season 5-2, Las Vegas has lost three out of four games. In a packed AFC playoff race, the Silver and Black cannot continue to suffer losses to lesser opponents and expect to reach the postseason.
With losses to the Giants and Bears already on their resumé, a loss to the Football Team may spell the end to the Raiders’ playoff chances. Las Vegas must come out with a similar sense of urgency as Thursday’s game against the Cowboys.
With such a pivotal matchup for both teams looming, let’s take a look at a few bold predictions for Sunday’s inter-conference matchup.