Oakland Raiders: 4 Bold predictions vs. Texans, Week 8

1. Road fatigue dooms Raiders in Houston

The Oakland Raiders looked to be in a prime position to steal one on the road last Sunday in Green Bay. Some in the national media even had the Packers on upset alert. Problem was, no one told Aaron Rodgers that. After Week 7, no one on the planet doubts that the 6-1 Packers are not a Super Bowl contender.

In Week 8, however, no one is making that same claim about the Texans. At 4-3, Houston is no Green Bay, and that’s where you see that the Raiders might have a chance.

It’s also worth noting that as good as Watson is, he is not in the same class as Rodgers, at least not yet. But his ability to make plays beyond his arm is what makes him dangerous every time he steps foot on the field. If Oakland can keep him contained, the chances for a win in Houston increase.

The Raiders have now been on the road since Week 3 at Minnesota. Add a trip to London as the “home team” and it seems like forever that Oakland has enjoyed the advantages of playing in the Black Hole. As a matter of fact, if this game were a Raiders home game, the Silver and Black might be an easier pick.

Oakland isn’t at home, and Watson presents all kinds of issues for the Raiders defense. This game is probably closer than most might think, but having a bonafide playmaker like Watson is a game-changer, especially in a tight contest. Raiders 23, Texans 25.