Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Raiders, Week 7

4. The Smiths bring down Carr four times

The Raiders have actually done a good job of protecting Derek Carr this season. Adding Trent Brown this offseason has proven beneficial, as has strengthening the rushing attack to take pressure off the line and quarterback. However, with Brown not playing in Week 7 against the Packers, newcomers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith are going to get after the Oakland quarterback.

Since joining Green Bay, The Smiths have proven to be true impact free-agent additions. They both have enjoyed multiple-sack outings and have been consistently getting into the backfield. And while the Raiders will look to control the game by running the ball, they’ll eventually have to throw to try and keep up with the Packers, which will result in four combined sacks for Za’Darius and Preston Smith.

3. Packers struggle containing Jacobs

Admittedly, the Green Bay Packers run defense has improved over the past two weeks against the Cowboys and Lions. In the case of the former, though, the Pack jumped out to such a big lead that Dallas simply couldn’t afford to run the ball. And, all told, Green Bay is still giving up a middle-of-the-road 124.5 rushing yards per game to opponents on the season.

That’s not going to bode well for the Packers against this Raiders team that loves to feed rookie Josh Jacobs heavily. The first-year pro has 88 carries for 430 yards and four touchdowns through five games this season and that will get added to nicely in this game. Mike Pettine’s defense won’t have an answer for Jacobs, who will top 100 yards for his second-straight outing on Sunday.