Raiders (5-2) at Giants (2-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: line at press time
Raiders’ keys to victory: Las Vegas has struggled on the ground but New York has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. If RB Josh Jacobs can get the ball rolling, it will open things up for QB Derek Carr downfield. On the opposite side of the ball, the Raiders will have to contend with the return of RB Saquon Barkley – a nightmare scenario for a team that’s worse against the run than the Giants. Stopping Barkley and putting pressure on QB Daniel Jones is paramount.
Giants’ keys to victory: With Barkley expected to make his longawaited return, New York will want to feed him early and often. Doing so will open things up for Jones and TE Evan Engram, who is due for a quality performance. Defensively, the Giants need to remain fundamentally sound and not allow Carr and WR Henry Ruggs II to take over the game. That onus will fall not only on CB James Bradberry, but rookie LB Azeez Ojulari and New York’s inconsistent pass rush.
Matchup to watch: Raiders TE Darren Waller vs. Giants linebackers. With S Jabrill Peppers on IR, New York will have to rely on reserves. New York matches up well elsewhere, but quality tight ends have long been a thorn in its side. Waller has been targeted 53 times.
Who wins? The Giants match up well with the Raiders on paper. It’s arguably one of their best personnel matchups of the season, but it will come down to the game plan and coaching. Can Joe Judge, Jason Garrett and Co. outmatch Rich Bisaccia and the Raiders?
Giants, 26-23
No