Last Week: Raiders 38, Texans 20
Las Vegas outscored Houston 21-0 in the fourth quarter to secure its second victory of the season. Running back Josh Jacobs scored the Raider offense’s final three touchdowns as part of a 20-carry, 143-yard day—his third straight game with more than 140 rushing yards. Jacobs’ final score—a 15-yarder, also his longest rush of the day—put Las Vegas up 31-20 before veteran safety Duron Harmon added another touchdown a few minutes later. Living up to his reputation and “The Closer” nickname from his days with New England, Harmon returned an interception 73 yards for the first pick-six of his 11-year career.
This Week: Raiders (2-4) at Saints (2-5)
When: Sunday, October 30, 10 a.m.
Where: Caesars Superdome
TV & Radio: CBS (Channel 8) & 920 AM/92.3 FM
Betting line: Raiders -2, over/under 47.5
Matchup: A big part of Jacobs’ recent success has been the surprise ascent of the Raiders’ offensive line, but the unit might find its toughest test awaiting in New Orleans. The Saints, led by defensive mastermind—and former Raiders coach—Dennis Allen, have several standouts up front, including edge rushers Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport, and linebacker Demario Davis. New Orleans has underperformed, with the Saints off to an even more disastrous start to the season than the Raiders. New Orleans will look to bounce back after extra time to rest coming off a 42-34 loss to Arizona on Thursday Night Football. This will be the Raiders’ first trip to the Superdome since a season-opening 35-34 win in 2016.
Raider to Watch: Slot receiver Hunter Renfrow
The Raiders’ fourth-year pass-catcher had his best game of the year against the Texans, pulling in three catches for 55 yards. But it seemed like Renfrow could have done even more had quarterback Derek Carr targeted him more often. Renfrow was getting open with ease over the middle and near the line of scrimmage, looking like he did during last year’s breakout season, when he led Las Vegas with 1,038 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. First-year coach Josh McDaniels’ offense has traditionally produced big success for slot receivers like Renfrow. It hasn’t come immediately in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean it’s never going to happen.
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