Raiders Vs. Broncos Preview: Aidan O'Connell Returns At Quarterback

Aidan O’Connell is getting back from a fractured thumb to start out at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as they head to Kansas Metropolis for his or her second and closing assembly this 12 months in opposition to the Chiefs. In fact final 12 months this was house to the Raiders’ greatest win of the season and O’Connell and the Raiders can be trying to replicate that end result.

The Raiders are determined to finish their seven-game shedding streak and hopefully O’Connell being beneath middle will give them that wanted increase and construct off a little bit of promise of their loss to the Broncos. The Raiders truly posted a season-high in complete yards and passing yards in opposition to Denver and regardless that the Chiefs are one of many higher defenses within the league, they’re a bit extra prone by means of the air than on the bottom.

Brock Bowers stays the Raiders’ finest offensive weapon, however Jakobi Meyers has two 100-yard video games previously three contests and Tre Tucker can also be coming off a powerful efficiency in opposition to the Broncos. The Chiefs simply struggled containing Bryce Younger and the Carolina Panthers’ offense to allow them to be had. However the offensive line must be locked in as, whereas the Chiefs don’t get lots of sacks, they’re one of many high groups in pressuring the quarterback and O’Connell wants a clear pocket to be efficient.

Defensively, the Raiders must cope with the returning Isaiah Pacheco out of the Chiefs backfield. It’s unclear how large of a task he’ll play in his return from a fractured fibula, however it’s one other weapon the Raiders must deal with because the Chiefs look to get their offense clicking.

The Chiefs are coming off their second-highest yardage complete of the season and hit 30 factors for under the second time this season as issues are beginning to fall into place. DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce are each extraordinarily constant and dependable, and the Raiders should at all times have an eye fixed on the explosive Xavier Worthy. Moreover, backup tight finish Noah Grey has caught two touchdowns in consecutive weeks so he’s one other participant the Raiders should account for as Patrick Mahomes can lean on any variety of weapons relying on how the sport goes.

The Raiders have spoken beforehand concerning the ‘Mahomes Guidelines’ and consistently attempting to make him really feel their hits and put on him down all through the sport. That’s what carried them to victory final 12 months and it might work once more.

This Chiefs group has appeared beatable all 12 months lengthy regardless of their file. Final 12 months it was Christmas Day, this 12 months it’s Black Friday, however the Raiders have the instruments to drag off one other upset and signature victory this season. However it should take a full group effort and each participant and coach being locked in for 60 minutes.