Last Week: Raiders 36, Cowboys 33
The Raiders put on a show in the traditional Thanksgiving afternoon time slot, and the largest television audience for an NFL regular season game since 1990 tuned in for it. Las Vegas led for most of the game, and though it ultimately took overtime, the Raiders knocked off the heavily favored Cowboys. Quarterback Derek Carr passed for 373 passing yards, with slot receiver Hunter Renfrow (eight catches for 134 yards) and deep threat DeSean Jackson (three catches for 102 yards) serving as his favorite targets. Kicker Daniel Carlson was the other star, converting on all five of his field goal attempts, including a 56-yarder late in regulation and the 29-yard game winner.
This Week: Washington Football Team (4-6 at press time) at Raiders (6-5)
When: Sunday, December 5, 1 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium
TV: Fox 5
Radio: 920 AM, 92.3-FM
Betting line: Raiders -2.5, over/under: 49
Matchup: This is the easiest game left on Las Vegas’ schedule, making it close to a must-win if the Raiders hope to maintain their playoff hopes. Las Vegas comes into the game tied for the final AFC wild-card spot, but the Chargers currently hold a head-to-head tiebreaker. That’s not to say Washington doesn’t present challenges, having improved over the second half of the season. Washington has one of the best receivers in the NFL in third-year player Terry McLaurin, along with a strong defensive line, even after losing reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Chase Young to an ACL injury two weeks ago. On the Raiders’ injury front, all eyes are on tight end Darren Waller, who exited the Cowboys’ game with a knee injury. Reportedly it’s not serious.
Raider to Watch: Quarterback Marcus Mariota
With the Raiders heading into the Cowboys matchup on a three-game losing streak, some fans were calling for Mariota to start over Carr. The latter’s bounced back, but the Raiders did integrate Mariota into the offense more. Las Vegas has a special package designed around Mariota’s speed and utilized it twice against the Cowboys for the first time this season. Mariota even scored his first touchdown, sprinting in a four-yard option run. “The Mariota Package” should be more of a staple for the rest of the season, assuming the oft-injured former Heisman Trophy winner can stay healthy.
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