Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Bold predictions for Week 2 vs. Saints
Bold predictions for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 on Monday Night Football.
The Las Vegas Raiders were one of the most difficult teams to project for the 2020 NFL season for a number of reasons, a mix of their tough division, glaring holes but much-improved roster making things complicated. But through one game, the Raiders are 1-0. And on Monday Night Football to cap off Week 2, they’ll play the first-ever game from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as they host the New Orleans Saints.
Most prognosticators would consider the Saints to be one of the leading Super Bowl contenders this season. They looked the part in a double-digit win over Tom Brady and the Bucs last week. Now on the road, they would love to slow down Josh Jacobs — who rushed for three touchdowns last week — and the Raiders. Jon Gruden’s team will have other plans.
With a chip on their shoulder for their first home game in a new stadium, we could see fireworks on Monday Night Football in Week 2. How big will they be? Let’s try to figure that out as we make three bold predictions for the Las Vegas Raiders in this game.
3. Ruggs breaks a 50+ yard touchdown
Speedy rookie Henry Ruggs III was the leading receiver for the Raiders in the Week 1 win, notching 55 yards on three catches, though he got just five targets. With his wheels, everyone watching or playing on Monday Night knows what type of big-play ability he has — and the Saints will be trying to stop that from happening.
They won’t be successful, though. While I don’t expect Derek Carr to have time for Ruggs to beat likely quality coverage deep on the outside, Ruggs is highly dangerous coming underneath and working after the catch. My bet is we see plenty of chances there and the rookie out of Alabama breaks one loose for over 50 yards and for his first-career touchdown.
2. Carr stays un-sacked for the 2020 season
If you’re looking for the strength of the Raiders, one of the first places you’re going to look is at the offensive line. They have been one of the best units in the trenches on offense for the past couple of years and they have remained consistent with that personnel group. But in Week 2, they’re up against a Saints team that has great rushers such as Cameron Jordan and Trey Hendrickson, among others.
Having said that, I expect Carr to not be put on the turf for a sack on Monday night. Not only will the Vegas O-line acquit themselves well but Jon Gruden is going to have the ball coming out quickly throughout the night. The result will be a nice outing for Carr, one with the opportunity to make some plays without being taken down for detrimental losses.
1. Raiders put up 30+ points in a loss
At the heart of the Raiders problems in this Monday Night Football game is the fact that I don’t believe they’re capable of stopping the Saints offense for four quarters. New Orleans’ offensive line neutralizes the young pass rush and, even without Thomas, they have veteran weapons all around.
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Having said that, I don’t necessarily think New Orleans has an elite defense, even with some of their playmakers. While they’re better than Carolina, I expect Las Vegas to go all-out in trying to start off right in their new home. They’ll come up short but they’ll keep it close with the Saints and put up 30+ points for the second straight week.