On Sunday, the 1-0 Las Vegas Raiders travel to face the 0-1 Buffalo Bills. For the Raiders, they are coming off a win where they fought tooth and nail to achieve victory. The Bills also fought valiantly but are perhaps left with more questions than answers as they succumbed to an Aaron Rodger-less N.Y. Jets squad. Sean McDermott's team has a short trip to host their home opener.
The Silver and Black voyage further east once more.
This week, the team has been practicing at a facility located in West Virginia to acclimate to the time zone difference before Sunday. The Raiders possess a 5-8 win/loss record in Eastern time zone games since 2019, and last season they went an uninspiring 0-4.
However, this is a new Raiders team, and the decision to practice all week in West Virginia was a good one by head coach Josh McDaniels. The Bills came into the season considered one of the best in the AFC, but Josh Allen struggled in a big way in Week 1, so hopefully there will be more of that on Sunday.
Before this matchup, getting the team's offense in synch will be pivotal.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense should be more explosive in Week 2
After only putting up 17 points against the Denver Broncos, the Raiders will undoubtedly look to light up the scoreboard on Sunday. With average performances by Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, one could expect both to have more extensive results against a Bills defense that played poorly last week.
While Tre'davious White is a good cornerback, he is no Pat Surtain Jr. However, he has more help on the back end with safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Despite the coverage, Adams still found a way to produce against a familiar and talented opponent last week.
Davante Adams was targeted 6 times when Patrick Surtain II was covering him in week 1.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 13, 2023
It was a very fun back-and-forth affair between the two superstars. With Adams getting a couple of quick-hitting receptions and drawing a pass interference. And Surtain getting 3 PBUs. pic.twitter.com/dAeCOuWQAj
Getting Jacobs more involved will be key for the Raiders to keep the Bills offense off the field. While Allen looked lost against the Jets, he is considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, so any time he spends on the sidelines is a good thing for the Silver and Black.
For the Raiders defense, they have a bigger task at hand.
The Raiders defense must be opportunistic in order to win
Star Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen committed four turnovers in Week 1. By nature, Allen is a risk taker, and the Raiders' defense must capitalize upon this to win on Sunday. While Maxx Crosby will be able to generate pressure, the team needs other players to step up.
Third-year linebacker Divine Deablo performed excellently in Week 1.
Raiders LB Divine Deablo had himself a day this past Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
— CJ Errickson (@CJE_NFL) September 12, 2023
5 tackles
4 STOPS
1 PBU
Targeted 5 times in coverage and only allowed 3 receptions for a total of zero yards.
Only allowed a 64.6 passer rating when targeted.
Per @PFF#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/qinubOKj7G
With that being said, the contest will come down to who possesses the football last.
Final Prediction Raiders 35 Bills 33
This game could be the best one on the slate in Week 2. There will be plenty of offense and plenty of big plays to go around for both teams. Whoever wins the turnover battle will more than likely win this game. Expect the Raiders to come out firing with more chemistry on the offensive side of the football, enabling both the passing and rushing attack to thrive.