Oakland Raiders: 3 Players to watch vs. Rams in Week 1

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 04: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at Soldier Field on October 4, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

The Oakland Raiders open the season at home on Monday night. Three players will make a significant impact on the game’s outcome. Can they make the difference?

The Oakland Raiders open the season on Monday night versus the Los Angeles Rams. The temptation of airing former Monday Night Football announcer John Gruden’s first game as the Raider’s head coach was too much to pass up. From the booth to the field. ESPN will play this up for all it is worth.

Beyond that the Raiders make an intriguing matchup against the Rams. The game has lost a little of its luster when Khalil Mack took his talents to Chicago. But the daunting Rams defense taking on what should be the Raiders prolific offense. At least the offense better be prolific. Amari Cooper thinks the offense may have to score on every possession to win.

In light of the upcoming game, here are three players to watch on Monday night.

Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper needs to have a big game. The receiving group has a serious challenge on their hands dealing with a revamped Rams secondary. Cooper needs to come out with a strong performance for the Raiders to be successful.

Even if he does not have a big game, he needs to play well enough to draw the attention away from fellow receivers Jordy Nelson and Brandon LaFell. If he can do that, the passing game may have some success.

The Raiders will need to have a dynamic passing plan. The Rams will be looking to stop the run. But if the passing game can get going, the Raiders may have a chance.

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