When the Las Vegas Raiders schedule was launched, arguably probably the most intriguing contest was this Week 17 recreation towards the New Orleans Saints, as it will mark the primary time former franchise QB Derek Carr, who holds principally each Raiders passing file, would face his former staff.
Sadly, Carr remains to be recovering from a fracture in his left hand earlier this month and has not practiced this week, that means his revenge recreation towards the Raiders is unlikely to happen. That being stated, there’s nonetheless loads of intrigue and issues at stake on this assembly.
The Raiders, a lot to the chagrin of many followers, ended their 10-game dropping streak final week, however that victory dropped the Raiders from the second decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, all the best way all the way down to sixth. However head coach Antonio Pierce and all these within the locker room couldn’t care much less about that and can proceed to do every part they’ll to choose up a second straight win.
The protection was sturdy towards the Jaguars, except for one large play allowed, and one other efficiency like that may go a great distance for the Raiders. Cross rusher Okay’Lavon Chaisson has been excellent over the previous month and his performances have actually stood out as Maxx Crosby has been misplaced as a consequence of harm. With the Saints additionally more likely to be with out high weapons Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, the protection has one other probability to set the tone, although New Orleans can be trying to bounce again after being shut out on Monday Night time.
Offensively the stress will stay on quarterback Aidan O’Connell to proceed his strong play. The important thing to that has been feeding rookie stalwart Brock Bowers who’s in line to interrupt one other file. Jakobi Meyers has been nice as one other secondary choice and the Saints protection is likely one of the worst within the league although, once more, after an embarrassing efficiency towards the Packers, the motivation in New Orleans needs to be heightened.
That is one other contest during which some would say there isn’t something for these groups to play for, however that isn’t the case for these inside every locker room. Neither Raiders coach Antonio Pierce or Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi are assured to be round subsequent season so they’re each trying to get probably the most out of their respective groups and guarantee a spot on the sideline subsequent 12 months.
And even with Carr on the sideline, he’ll undoubtedly be trying to inspire the Saints to choose up a win on his behalf towards his former staff. It is a uncommon case this season the place the Raiders are favored, however that doesn’t imply they’ll loosen up and take something without any consideration on the street towards a Saints staff that may nonetheless be motivated to placed on a powerful efficiency in entrance of their residence followers.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)
10:00 a.m. PT, Sunday, December 29, 2024Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LouisianaTV: FOX
