4 expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 Week 2
Win The Game
It’s really as simple as that. The Raiders are a better team on paper than the Arizona Cardinals who are missing their best player in DeAndre Hopkins through suspension and have a defense that is light on playmakers.
Arizona is not quite in a rebuilding year but from all indications they do not look like they will be a good team this year. Of course, all of that could change if they string together a few wins but this is a team that the Raiders should beat if they are to be taken seriously as a playoff contender in the AFC.
Kyler Murray presents his own unique challenges thanks to his elite athleticism and playmaking ability but aside from James Conner who is there to fear on this offense? The aforementioned Hopkins will not be playing on Sunday, deep threat Christian Kirk left in free agency, Zach Ertz is hobbled, and AJ Green is well past his prime. Newly acquired Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is a potential game breaker thanks to his elite speed but if the Raiders can keep a lid on him they should be able to contain this offense.
Next up for the Raiders is a tough trip to Tennessee to face Derrick Henry and the Titans so this has become a must-win game to keep this season on track. A comfortable win would be ideal but winning by 1 point or 30 points count the same and the Raiders should be able to come through with a win on Sunday.