Green Bay Packers: 2 major X-Factors for Week 7 matchup with Oakland

Heading into their Week 7 matchup against the Oakland Raiders, here are two major X-Factors for the Green Bay Packers in the game.

Heading into their Week 7 matchup against the Oakland Raiders, the Green Bay Packers are looking to improve to 6-1 on the season. If they can accomplish that goal, Matt LaFleur and company will be looking very good for a potential playoff spot. In order to get this win, the Packers will have to overcome some issues.

One of those issues will be playing with little wide receiver depth. Davante Adams has already been ruled out for this week's game and Geronimo Allison isn't likely to play either. Add in the fact that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is dealing with multiple nagging injuries and the offense will need players to step up.

Defensively, the Packers will have to slow down rookie running back Josh Jacobs and will have to get to Derek Carr. Mike Pettine and company are ready for the challenge.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at two major X-Factors for the Packers this week against the Raiders.

Rashan Gary, Pass Rusher

It may be a bit surprising to see the rookie pass rusher on this list, but he is likely going to have a fairly sizable role. Preston and Za'Darius Smith are without question the leaders of the defense and aren't going to come off the field much, but the Packers are going to do everything in their power to get to Carr.

Gary has shown signs of big-time pass rushing skills this season. Pettine is going to throw the house at Carr and Gary is going to see some time. He may also be asked to use his athleticism to try to cover the Oakland tight ends, which will be a major key for the Packers.

Allen Lazard, Wide Receiver

Secondly and finally, Allen Lazard is set for a massive role this week after breaking out last week against the Detroit Lions. In his first major playing time of the season, Lazard racked up four catches for 64 yards and a huge 35-yard touchdown reception.

Against the Raiders this week, Lazard is going to have a bigger role than he had last week. Green Bay will have Valdes-Scantling, Lazard, Jake Kumerow, Darrius Shepard, and newly-signed receiver Ryan Grant active this week. Aaron Rodgers is going to look to Lazard often this week and he will need to step up with a big performance.