Washington (5-6) at Raiders (6-5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Stadium, Las Vegas TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 2 ⁄2
1
Washington’s keys to victory: The way to stop QB Derek Carr is to create pressure with the front four. Carr is one of the best quarterbacks in the league against the blitz. Look for Washington to rush four and drop seven into coverage. On offense, Washington should be able to run the ball at will. The bigger issue is protecting QB Taylor Heinicke against one of the league’s best pass-rush duos. If Heinicke has time, he should have a ton of success in the middle of the field against Las Vegas’ defense. Heinicke was only sacked once in Week 12 by Seattle.
Raiders’ keys to victory: When the Raiders can protect Carr, he has no issue carving up defenses. Even without elite weapons, he’s able to make enough big throws to keep the offense afloat. Against a talented defensive line, Las Vegas needs to win up front. The Vegas’ defense should be able to have success because its line is far more talented than the opposing offensive line. DEs Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue should have big days.
Matchup to watch: Washington WR Terry McLaurin vs. Raiders CB Casey Hayward Jr. McLaurin is the top weapon for Washington, and the offense runs through him. The Raiders have several quality cornerbacks who could match up with him, but look for the veteran to follow him.
Who wins? The Raiders’ offense is starting to find its rhythm, and Vegas is coming off 10 days of rest after a shootout road win over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. This game will likely come down to the end.
Raiders, 24-21
Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire
Allegiant
Raiders