The Raiders look to stop a mini two-game losing streak as they head to Houston to take on the Texans, in hopes of extending the Texans losing streak to 8 games. Both backup QBs will start in this one, one because of injury and the other because of ineffectiveness. Matt McGloin, undrafted free agent, will get his first NFL start as Pryor is still recovering from the MCL sprain he suffered in the Eagles game. Case Keenum will start for the Texans and has played well in place of Matt Schaub. He has 7 TDs to 0 INTs on the season, though those numbers have not translated into wins. Oakland won the last meeting between the two teams in one of the more memorable endings, picking off Schuab in the endzone with only ten players on defense, the game after owner Al Davis passed away. Not only will both backup QBs be starting for each team, but so will both running backs. Darren McFadden is out and Rashad Jennings will start in his place and Ben Tate will start in place of the injured Arian Foster, who was put on season-ending IR. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Texans Defense
On paper, this looks to be a lopsided matchup favoring the Texans. Undrafted rookie McGloin will get his first NFL start against a Texans defense that ranks number 1 in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed per game. Where they can be susceptible is against the run. They allow 113 yards rushing/game, the area the Raiders offense is the strongest, currently 5th in the league in rushing. Expect the Raiders coaching staff to rely heavily on the running game and not ask McGloin to do to much through the air. The Texans will most likely load up the box to stop the run and dare McGloin to beat them through the air.
Advantage: Texans
Raiders Defense vs. Texans Offense
The Raiders defense tried its best to win the game by itself against the Giants last week and have been very good this season outside of the Eagles game and the Broncos game. Case Keenum will try and do his best Nick Foles impression as he loves to throw down the field. While his completion percentage struggles as a result (55.9 % on the year), he has yet to throw an interception. He was a prolific passer in college at the University of Houston and is not afraid of opposing defenses. The Raiders will try and give him different looks and disguise their blitzes in order to confuse Keenum and force him to make a mistake.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders have been very good at blocking punts and kicks this year and making things happen on special teams, although not so much in the return game side of it. Houston has former Raider Shane Lechler as their punter and Randy Bullock as their kicker. Bullock has already missed 9 field goals this year and is below 61% made.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Texans 20, Raiders 17
*Stat of the week: The Raiders are the only AFC team without a road win this year.
Record to Date: 5-3
Raiders Offense vs. Texans Defense
On paper, this looks to be a lopsided matchup favoring the Texans. Undrafted rookie McGloin will get his first NFL start against a Texans defense that ranks number 1 in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed per game. Where they can be susceptible is against the run. They allow 113 yards rushing/game, the area the Raiders offense is the strongest, currently 5th in the league in rushing. Expect the Raiders coaching staff to rely heavily on the running game and not ask McGloin to do to much through the air. The Texans will most likely load up the box to stop the run and dare McGloin to beat them through the air.
Advantage: Texans
Raiders Defense vs. Texans Offense
The Raiders defense tried its best to win the game by itself against the Giants last week and have been very good this season outside of the Eagles game and the Broncos game. Case Keenum will try and do his best Nick Foles impression as he loves to throw down the field. While his completion percentage struggles as a result (55.9 % on the year), he has yet to throw an interception. He was a prolific passer in college at the University of Houston and is not afraid of opposing defenses. The Raiders will try and give him different looks and disguise their blitzes in order to confuse Keenum and force him to make a mistake.
Advantage: Raiders
Special Teams
The Raiders have been very good at blocking punts and kicks this year and making things happen on special teams, although not so much in the return game side of it. Houston has former Raider Shane Lechler as their punter and Randy Bullock as their kicker. Bullock has already missed 9 field goals this year and is below 61% made.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Texans 20, Raiders 17
*Stat of the week: The Raiders are the only AFC team without a road win this year.
Record to Date: 5-3
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