Packers (2-2) at Raiders (1-3)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
TV: ESPN/ABC
Spread (BetMGM):
Packers by 2.5
Packers’ keys to victory: Start faster and find ways to get the ball to RB Aaron Jones and WR Christian Watson. The Packers fell behind 17-0 and 27-3 the past two weeks. QB Jordan Love and the offense must hit the ground running. Last week, Jones and Watson returned from hamstring injuries but received only eight total touches. Getting them around 20 touches and 10 targets, respectively, could give the offense a jolt of playmaking ability.
Raiders’ keys to victory: Attack with the run and pressure Love. The Packers have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in two of four games this season. This week has to be the one that RB Josh Jacobs gets going on the ground in order for the Raiders to win. On defense, the Raiders must disrupt the pocket with four rushers. Last week, Love was under pressure on almost half of his dropbacks, and he’s struggled against pressure to start 2023. Las Vegas needs OLB Maxx Crosby to take over the game up front. Winning the turnover battle is also crucial for a team that didn’t get a takeaway the first three weeks.
Matchup to watch: Packers CB Jaire Alexander vs. Raiders WR Davante Adams. This is a battle of All-Pros who once battled every day at practice. Alexander is working through a back injury, but he’ll likely return to face Adams, the former Packer who remains a dominant player for the Raiders.
Who wins? The Raiders aren’t good enough at the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball. Unless Crosby has a huge game, the Packers will escape with a win.
Packers 24-17