As the Las Vegas Raiders look to avoid a third straight loss, they'll get a wide receiver back from injury, but the defensive front won't have a key starter to slow Buffalo Bills running back James Cook.
As our own Jaleel Grandberry pointed out, the Raiders must focus on stopping Cook on the ground, despite his ball-security issues. Entering Week 6, Cook ranks third in rushing yards. Meanwhile, the Raiders give up the fourth-most yards on the ground.
Las Vegas also has to account for quarterback Josh Allen's running ability; he leads the league with eight rushing touchdowns. Rob Leonard's defense will have its hands full against an offensive powerhouse.
Raiders’ Week 6 storylines highlight a returning receiver and a couple of young defenders who could see more snaps
Will Jalen Nailor make an impact in return from injury?
Jalen Nailor missed Las Vegas’ previous game while in concussion protocol, though he hasn't moved the needle when healthy. In four outings, one shortened by injury, the fifth-year pro has five catches for 52 yards. It's fair to believe the Raiders expected more after signing him to a three-year, $35 million deal this past offseason.
Even more discouraging, in his second and third full games, Nailor only caught one pass. Based on his new deal, he should be at least a solid No. 2 wideout, but the veteran wideout has been more of an afterthought.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Nailor said he isn't concerned about his target share as long as the team wins.
"I feel like I'm doing good. I'm just trying to be the best team player I can be. There's only one ball that goes around. So, it doesn't matter if I get one catch, 10 catches, doesn't matter as long as we're winning. So just trying to help the team the best I can."
If Nailor plays a bigger role in the Raiders' offense, it should increase the team's chances of pulling off an upset. The club desperately needs a receiver to complement All-Pro Brock Bowers in the passing game.
Can Jermod McCoy carve out a bigger role in the secondary?
At practice this week, head coach Klint Kubiak promoted competition along the offensive line and at cornerback, so changes could come at those positions.
Last week, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye lit up the Raiders' pass defense, throwing for 374 yards. In that game, rookie fifth-rounder Hezekiah Masses allowed two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown for a perfect 158.3 passer rating in coverage, and Eric Stokes allowed two receptions for 39 yards for a 118.8 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus.
After re-signing with the Raiders on a new three-year, $30 million deal, Stokes likely has more job security than Masses. Darien Porter could reclaim the starting role opposite Stokes.
That said, Kubiak believes rookie fourth-rounder Jermod McCoy could get more snaps, though Masses and Porter are battling for the No. 2 cornerback spot.
"He certainly can. We're counting on him. We drafted him for a reason. More specifically, I see DP and Zeke fighting for who's gonna start the game, and we know that everybody's gonna play."
If both Mases and Porter struggle, McCoy can capitalize on opportunities. He's been a key contributor on special teams and played 12 defensive snaps last week.
Will JJ Pegues Make His Second Appearance of the Season?
While in concussion protocol, defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway will miss Sunday's game. In his absence, expect to see more of Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Thomas Booker IV and Foley Fatukasi, who are already part of the rotation in the middle.
It'll be interesting to see if Pegues returns to the field as the fifth defensive tackle against Buffalo's fifth-ranked rushing attack. The Raiders need big bodies up front with Allen capable of taking the ball up the middle.
Pegues has suited up for only one game—against the Kansas City Chiefs, who featured then-rushing leader Kenneth Walker III. He could play a small role in this matchup, too.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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