With a Las Vegas Raiders Week 18 game scheduled against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, a lot of eyes will be on the two squads in a must-win game. Ahead of the Raiders-Chargers game, we'll be making our Raiders Week 18 predictions.
The Raiders have been an up-and-down team this season, Las Vegas possesses one of the best passing offenses in the league led by quarterback Derek Carr but also one of the league's worst defenses in terms of points allowed. Marred by outside scandals and distractions, the Raiders have somehow made it to the season's final game with a chance at the playoffs.
Coming off of a clutch victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Raiders put themselves in position to make the playoffs with a victory over the Chargers. Barring a highly unlikely scenario where the Colts lose, Las Vegas will need to win the game to secure a spot in the postseason. The Raiders will need a big performance form Carr, as well as key offensive players Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs- if they play- not to mention a standout performance from the defense against Chargers star Justin Herbert and company.
The task is simple for the Raiders. Win, and a playoff berth is theirs. With that in mind, here are our Raiders Week 18 predictions.
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Raiders Week 18 Predictions
4. Yannick Ngakoue will make Justin Herbert's life miserable
Raiders pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue has enjoyed a strong season for Las Vegas. Ngakoue has a team-leading 10 sacks and has totaled eight in his last eight contests. Las Vegas will need every bit of Ngakoue's effort to slow down Chargers star Justin Herbert, who is one of the bright young stars at the quarterback position. Ngakoue will have at least one sack and multiple quarterback hits en route to a Raiders upset win.
Click here for the odds for the Raiders Week 18 game against the Chargers, courtesy of FanDuel.
3. The Raiders will rush for over 100 yards against the Chargers
The biggest weakness of the Chargers is their run defense. Los Angeles has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game and has yielded some big performances on the ground. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is questionable with a rib injury, though he will tough out the ailment and put together one of his strongest performances of the year en route to over 100 yards rushing for Las Vegas.
2. Derek Carr will redeem himself with a big-time performance
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been the subject of rumors, as Las Vegas was reportedly considering benching him at one point. Carr, who has thrown for the fourth-most passing yards this season- right behind Chargers' signal-caller Justin Herbert, will outduel Herbert and lead Las Vegas to the playoffs, quieting all the doubts about his ability.
1. Rick Bisaccia will lead the Raiders to the playoffs- and then return next season
The Raiders have been seemingly linked to every head coach following the firing of Jon Gruden. Bisaccia has stepped in and done a solid job, especially considering the fact that a distraction seemingly emerges every week out of Las Vegas. Not only will Bisaccia lead the Raiders to a win over the Chargers on primetime for their fourth straight victory, but he will earn himself the head coaching job for next season in the process.