Welcome back football fans as I make my first prediction of the year after being gone on vacation last week to Charleston, South Carolina. The Raiders look to gain momentum from positive signs of improvement in last week's loss versus the Colts on the road. Pryor and Co. nearly pulled off the upset but will look to rebound at home against a Jaguars team that could only muster a safety at home last week against the Chiefs. Out is Gabbert with a hand laceration and in will be Henne, the QB they played against in last year's overtime win. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Jaguars Defense
Most of the emphasis of this matchup will be focused on Terrelle Pryor and Paul Posluszny. Posluszny will be charged with making sure Pryor doesn't make big plays from improvisation, something the Colts couldn't prevent from happening. Pryor comes into the game as the AFC's leading rusher with 112 yards. Look for the Raiders to put more emphasis on giving McFadden more touches and help him get in the flow of the game more.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Jaguars Offense
The Raiders look good on defense for most of the game, but what killed them was the first two drives of the game and the last drive of the game all resulting in TD's for the Colts. They look to build on pressure they got with the front four, resulting in 4 sacks of Andrew Luck. The Jaguars will start Chad Henne, who has mixed results in limited starts in his short career. He played well last year in Oakland, almost coming away with a victory. Maurice Jones-Drew will try and get the offense of to a quick start as they most assuredly will look to the running game to pace the offense with limited weapons in the receiving corps.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders are starting a new punter this year in Marquette King who has shown flashes of potential with his powerful leg, averaging 50.5 yards/punt so far this year. His test will come in how he handles being a holder for Janikowski, who missed his first FG under 50 yards in over a year last week. Jacoby Ford is back and healthy and can break one and go all the way on kickoffs. Jacksonville has good kickers in Josh Scobee and Bryan Anger. Return game is still in question about who will step up.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 20, Jaguars 14
Raiders Offense vs. Jaguars Defense
Most of the emphasis of this matchup will be focused on Terrelle Pryor and Paul Posluszny. Posluszny will be charged with making sure Pryor doesn't make big plays from improvisation, something the Colts couldn't prevent from happening. Pryor comes into the game as the AFC's leading rusher with 112 yards. Look for the Raiders to put more emphasis on giving McFadden more touches and help him get in the flow of the game more.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Jaguars Offense
The Raiders look good on defense for most of the game, but what killed them was the first two drives of the game and the last drive of the game all resulting in TD's for the Colts. They look to build on pressure they got with the front four, resulting in 4 sacks of Andrew Luck. The Jaguars will start Chad Henne, who has mixed results in limited starts in his short career. He played well last year in Oakland, almost coming away with a victory. Maurice Jones-Drew will try and get the offense of to a quick start as they most assuredly will look to the running game to pace the offense with limited weapons in the receiving corps.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders are starting a new punter this year in Marquette King who has shown flashes of potential with his powerful leg, averaging 50.5 yards/punt so far this year. His test will come in how he handles being a holder for Janikowski, who missed his first FG under 50 yards in over a year last week. Jacoby Ford is back and healthy and can break one and go all the way on kickoffs. Jacksonville has good kickers in Josh Scobee and Bryan Anger. Return game is still in question about who will step up.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 20, Jaguars 14
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