I honestly can’t think of a time when optimism in Oakland was as high as it is right now. Obviously it was back in 2016 — but even then it didn’t feel like it came out of nowhere. This year? The Raiders were projected to remain one of the worst teams in the league — in part because the first half of their schedule was akin to bathing with sandpaper.
But here we are — fresh off a bye week and just a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs for first place in the AFC West. Next on the docket, however, is a pair of challenging road games that begin with a trip to Lambeau Field to face Aaron Rodgers and the improved Green Bay Packers’ defense.
So, what are the keys to consider heading into Sunday?
Schedule does Raiders a favor for once
The Raiders will be well-rested after their bye week, while the Packers are coming off of a tough divisional matchup against the Lions on Monday night. How quickly can they recover and get their minds right for Sunday?
While it seems like one day might not make a difference (especially since both games are at home), it really does — and so the Raiders should have an extra dose of confidence heading into Sunday.
Green Bay’s weapons are…?
One reason the rest is such a big deal is because the Packers’ skill positions are an absolute mess. Rodgers’ top target, Davante Adams, has missed two weeks in a row and some people think he could miss another month, which is especially concerning when you consider who is left behind him.
The next two guys on the depth chart are Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Geronimo Allison — both of whom left Monday’s game with injuries (although Valdez-Scantling did return). Allison’s injury was of the terrifying head-injury variety, so it’s hard to imagine he’ll play in a short week, leaving the Packers to hope Valdez-Scantling can play. Behind those two it’s guys like Jake Kumerow, Darrius Shepherd and Allen Lazard. (I’ll pause while you Google those three names). One of the reasons this is significant is because…
The Raiders are nearing full health
Among the positions the Raiders have been short-handed in is the defensive backfield, but with Nevin Lawson returning from suspension, the Raiders should be all set back there to handle whatever combination of receivers Green Bay sends at them.
More importantly, though, is the return of guys like Gabe Jackson, Clelin Ferrell and Dwayne Harris as they all appear to play this week after returning to practice. The Raiders will likely be without two key offensive players in Tyrell Williams and Trent Brown though. Williams is out and Brown is doubtful, although neither seem to be dealing with long-term injuries so could return as early as next week.
Prediction: Raiders 24, Packers 23
I’m drinking the Kool-Aid folks. Here’s my thinking: the Raiders have been among the best in the league at scripting the first couple of drives — so what could they do with an entire extra week of preparation? Add in the health of the offensive line, Green Bay’s injury woes and their short week and I think the Raiders will be in this game (and that they believe they can win).
