Las Vegas Raiders to watch in their Wild Card matchup vs Cincinnati

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) gestures as he runs off the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders to watch in their Wild Card matchup vs Cincinnati

Josh Jacobs

The bruising back has upped his game over the last few weeks of the season and although he did not reach his first 100-yard rushing performance until Week 16, he has now rushed for over 100 yards in two of his last three contests.

In the overtime victory last week, the Raiders relied heavily on Jacobs and the back who has had an overall disappointing 2021 season, delivered in a big way in the Raiders Week 18 victory. He rushed for over 130 yards and added a score. His offensive outburst was a major reason the Raider offense had any success. Derek Carr only threw for 54 more yards than Jacobs rushed for.

Although the last time the Raiders faced off against Cincy, Jacobs only rushed for a tad over 30 yards, however, his nine carries signified the Raiders were down early and often in that matchup.

The Raiders will look to be in this game from start to finish, and Jacobs will surely play a much larger role as this improved Raider unit will look to force their will with the ground game against this stout Bengals defensive line.

Keep an eye on Josh Jacobs, his performance will either stamp a Raider win or loss.