The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, and here are the members of the Silver and Black to keep an eye on.
The Las Vegas Raiders head home to Allegiant Stadium in Week 2, taking on the Arizona Cardinals in a must-win game for both franchises. Getting out to an 0-2 start is tough for any team with playoff aspirations, and playing in front of the home fans, you can expect the Silver and Black to come out strong against a Cardinals team that was blasted by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
Both teams are battling some injuries on both sides of the ball and will have to make adjustments this week because of that. When it comes to Las Vegas, here are some Raiders to keep an eye on this weekend against the Cardinals.
Las Vegas Raiders to watch against Arizona in Week 2
Chandler Jones
Playing against his old team, this is a big game for Chandler Jones, who was an All-Pro player during his time with the Cardinals. Jones was a huge addition to this Raiders roster this offseason, and teaming with Maxx Crosby, he gives Las Vegas one of the better one-two punches coming off the edge in the NFL.
He knows this Arizona team like the back of his hand, and he should be able to be a disruptive force this afternoon against his former team. I like for him to get his first sack of the season against the elusive Kyler Murray, helping his new team beat his former team in a big way inside Allegiant Stadium.
Derek Carr
Derek Carr struggled mightily in the first game of the season, tossing three interceptions and making more than a few questionable decisions down the field. Returning home to Allegiant Stadium, and playing in his second game in the new system, you can expect a much better Derek Carr in Week 2.
The truth is, Carr has every weapon he needs to dominate the NFL landscape this season, but he will be without his starting center, Andre James in this one. He needs to be a bit more decisive on Sunday against Arizona, utilizing all of his weapons, and avoiding force-feeding Davante Adams all afternoon.
Josh Jacobs
The Las Vegas Raiders have to establish the run game against Arizona this afternoon, as they abandoned it last weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. Josh Jacobs has to be the focal point of this run game, and he ran well last weekend, averaging nearly six yards per carry.
Reasons the Las Vegas Raiders will beat the Cardinals in Week 2
The Raiders have their home opener this week and have multiple things in their favor in this matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Being more balanced on offense is key for the Raiders on Sunday, because the offensive line is a bit banged up, and they cannot be so predictable. They are the favorites against the Cardinals and are at home, but this is also the NFL, so anything is possible.