The Raiders, coming off their best defensive performance in over 30 years, will head to Carolina to face the 5-9 Panthers. The Raiders will look to build on their win last week against Kansas City and build momentum for next year. The Panthers are also mired in a disappointing season after many felt this was a team on the rise. We'll see which team still has fight in them and which one has mailed it in for the season. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Panthers Defense
The Raiders last week were unable to get into the end zone, settling for 5 Janikowski field goals. The emphasis this week will surely be on focusing more in the red zone. The difference between the great teams and the mediocre teams is turning drives into touchdowns instead of field goals. The Raiders this week will face another great pass-rushing duo in Johnson and Hardy. They account for 21.5 of the team's 35 sacks. Another player to watch out for is rookie LB Luke Kuechly. Many believe he has a chance at defensive ROY, with good reason, as he is second in the NFL in tackles. The Raiders feel like they are a complete team with a healthy McFadden and that's what they'll have again this week. They are 10-2 when McFadden rushes for 100+ yards in a game. They found the recipe they like for success last week against the Chiefs as they used the run to set up the pass and held the ball for 40+ minutes, keeping their defense fresh and off the field.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Panthers Offense
The Raiders defense last week held the Chiefs to 119 yards of offense. This will not be the case this week. The Panthers offense goes through Cam Newton, as he is the leading rusher at QB. If you can make him make mistakes or limit his big play ability, you have a chance of containing their offense. Steve Smith will be a tough assignment as he is small, quick and elusive. If he gets behind the defense, chances are you won't be able to run him down from behind. It may serve them well to jam him at the line with a more physical corner like Michael Huff. The defense's number one concern will be keeping a man on Newton at all times and don't let him scramble for first downs.
Advantage: Panthers
Special Teams
The Raiders are still looking for someone to fulfill Jacoby Ford's role as kickoff and punt returner. They have yet to find a suitable replacement. The Panthers have an average return game and average kickers
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Panthers 28, Raiders 24
Record to date: 9-5
Raiders Offense vs. Panthers Defense
The Raiders last week were unable to get into the end zone, settling for 5 Janikowski field goals. The emphasis this week will surely be on focusing more in the red zone. The difference between the great teams and the mediocre teams is turning drives into touchdowns instead of field goals. The Raiders this week will face another great pass-rushing duo in Johnson and Hardy. They account for 21.5 of the team's 35 sacks. Another player to watch out for is rookie LB Luke Kuechly. Many believe he has a chance at defensive ROY, with good reason, as he is second in the NFL in tackles. The Raiders feel like they are a complete team with a healthy McFadden and that's what they'll have again this week. They are 10-2 when McFadden rushes for 100+ yards in a game. They found the recipe they like for success last week against the Chiefs as they used the run to set up the pass and held the ball for 40+ minutes, keeping their defense fresh and off the field.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Panthers Offense
The Raiders defense last week held the Chiefs to 119 yards of offense. This will not be the case this week. The Panthers offense goes through Cam Newton, as he is the leading rusher at QB. If you can make him make mistakes or limit his big play ability, you have a chance of containing their offense. Steve Smith will be a tough assignment as he is small, quick and elusive. If he gets behind the defense, chances are you won't be able to run him down from behind. It may serve them well to jam him at the line with a more physical corner like Michael Huff. The defense's number one concern will be keeping a man on Newton at all times and don't let him scramble for first downs.
Advantage: Panthers
Special Teams
The Raiders are still looking for someone to fulfill Jacoby Ford's role as kickoff and punt returner. They have yet to find a suitable replacement. The Panthers have an average return game and average kickers
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Panthers 28, Raiders 24
Record to date: 9-5
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