Raiders vs Texans 2022 Week 7: Key matchups to watch

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 09: Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs for yardage during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 09, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) /

Raiders vs Texans 2022 Week 7: Key matchups to watch

Dameon Pierce vs. Raiders Front Seven

On the other side of the field, the Texans have an ascending running back of their own

Rookie Dameon Pierce was one of the other hottest running backs in the league going into their bye week, and he will look to continue his great play in Las Vegas.

The Raiders are currently 15th in the league in rushing DVOA, according to Football Outsiders. However, they are fifth in stuff rate, which means they are making tackles at or behind the line are a high rate. Divine Deablo has 25 stops by himself and a team-leading 48 tackles, so expect him to be in the mix early and often.

With the Texans having little to offer passing the ball, shutting down Pierce should be the primary goal on defense. But the Raiders need to match his physicality because Pierce will never go down easy at first contact. Watch his mini-beast mode run against the Jaguars.

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