The Las Vegas Raiders stormed out the gate as a hot commodity in three weeks of NFL action. Minus a loss against the New England Patriots in Week 3, the Raiders were on the rise after being a sleeper team prior to the start of the season.
Even with a Week 3 loss, the Raiders are still in a prime position to make some noise in an AFC West division that is dominated by the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs. They have an upcoming match against the Buffalo Bills, another sleeper team that has made some noise through Week 3.
Both teams will be hungry to continue riding their momentum past only Week 4, meaning that viewers could be in for a showdown that comes down to the wire. But, the Raiders have more to prove and truly believe that they can be contenders.
With that, we look at four hot predictions that can likely occur when the Las Vegas Raiders face the Bills on Sunday.
1. Carr continues to dominate
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been elite this season. There's not much that he's done wrong through his first three games. He's thrown 230-plus yards in all three contests while throwing a total of six touchdowns for all three games. His most impressive feat may come in his passing precision, throwing no interceptions so far this season as well.
He's had a bit of trouble securing the football though. He's had two fumbles a piece in his last two outings. He's also been sacked a total of five times in his last two outings. Both of those woes most come to a screeching halt in Week 4 in order for Carr to continue his early season success.
Where Carr will shine against the Bills is in his passing completion. He's completed 74 percent of his passes this season for 784 yards. He's also going against a shaky Bills defense that has let leads slip through their hands in the last two games.
Within reason, Carr will have a 400-yard passing game along with 4 touchdowns. He'll also have no interceptions and improve his fumbling situation as he protects the ball with no fumbles.
2. Defense doesn't show up
The ongoing story for the Raiders in the 2020-21 season is how the defense is always some steps behind the star-studded offense. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther has stated that he's well are of the progress that still needs to be made for the Raiders to be successful. With that, we don't see that progress skyrocketing in Week 4.
The Raiders rank 25th in defense in terms of points scored by the opponent. The Bills are on a come up in offensive production. Anyone with eyes can see why the defensive effort for the Raiders may be a destruction minutes into the game.
Expect Allen to have another phenomenal game while passing to wideout Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley. Rookie wideout for the Bills Gabriel Davis will more than likely continue to shine as well.
The Raiders' defense will give up 28 points going into halftime against the Bills.
3. Las Vegas Raiders don't learn from Week 3 struggles
The Raiders will chalk up a Week 3 lost to the Patriots as careless mistakes that led to costly turnovers. Those same mistakes can't happen against a hungry Bills squad that'll capitalize of those mistakes and look to hold the Raiders off throughout the game.
Carr had two game-costing sacks. Though halfback Josh Jacobs was on a roll with 71 rushing yards from 16 carries, his fumble inside the Patriots' 15-yard line was a turning point in terms of the Patriots mounting a comeback. Yes, the Raiders could easily right those mistakes ahead of Sunday, thus furthering their chances of victory.
They could also become extremely lax after gaining a decent lead on the Bills and once more become careless with possessions, allowing the Bills to storm back into the game.
4. Josh Jacobs goes off
Jacobs will have to have a superb game. He does lead the team in rushing yards for the season with 252, but that doesn't say much through three games for the number one option in the backfield. He exploded for 93 yards from 25 carries in Week 1, resulting in three touchdowns. He hasn't scored a touchdown since though.
The Bills' defense didn't leave much to brag about in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. They were often bailed out by the Bills' offense and Allen's ability to generate scoring, helping further the scoring margin and fight off a comeback from the Rams.
If that same defense presents itself on Sunday, Jacobs must be ready to attack and penetrate holes in the Bills' defensive line.
Jacobs will have a 120-yard rushing game while notching two touchdowns for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Follow Us
Subscribe