Because the Jacksonville Jaguars put together to play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, we sat down with Matt Holder of Silver & Black Delight to be taught extra concerning the opposing aspect.
Query 1: As ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky stated final week, Shedeur Sanders’ need to land with the Raiders within the 2025 NFL Draft “feels just like the worst-kept secret in sports activities proper now.” Do you suppose Sanders to Las Vegas is inevitable? On the very least, is choosing a passer within the first spherical a certain factor for Las Vegas?
There have been loads of indicators that Sanders desires to or is not less than occupied with taking part in for the Raiders, relationship again to the summer season. So there’s advantage to these rumors and Orlovksy’s feedback.
Proprietor Mark Davis not too long ago instructed reporters he isn’t mandating that common supervisor Tom Telesco drafts a quarterback within the first spherical. However, let’s be trustworthy, it’s the group’s greatest want and you’ll’t win on this league with no respectable quarterback.
I’d be shocked in the event that they handed on a passer, particularly since Las Vegas will probably have a high draft decide. So far as in the event that they’ll take Sanders particularly, I’m about 75 % assured he’ll be carrying Silver and Black in 2025. The additional 25 % comes from my private desire for Cam Ward and I may see Telesco liking Ward’s potential greater than Sander’s.
Query 2: Past quarterback, which place teams ought to the Raiders prioritize upgrading this offseason?
Cornerback can be the following greatest want, in my view. The protection doesn’t have a real No. 1 on the place and will use a shutdown nook. The large receiver room is in an identical boat, though Brock Bowers has made a powerful case as a rookie that the offense can run by means of him, just like what Kansas Metropolis does with Travis Kelce.
After that, the Raiders have a very good quantity of wants the place any place might be on the desk. Kolton Miller has been a stud, however he’s coming into a contract 12 months in 2025 and has battled a number of accidents whereas getting up there in age. So, I may see the entrance workplace focusing on a left deal with to function Miller’s substitute. Additionally, linebacker and security can be priorities if Robert Spillane and Tre’von Moehrig aren’t re-signed.
Query 3: How would you gameplan in opposition to this Raiders offense (which not has Davante Adams) and protection (which not has Maxx Crosby)?
If a protection can cease Bowers, the Raiders are fairly simple to maintain in examine offensively. Jakobi Meyers has been a very good No. 2 receiver to harm you each on occasion. However Meyers can’t do it alone if Bowers is held in examine and the offense doesn’t have many weapons past these two. The operating sport had improved with Honest McCormick toting the rock, however McCormick suffered a season-ending damage final week. The remainder of the group’s backs aren’t something to fret about.
Defensively, Las Vegas does have a strong move rush with out Crosby. Jags followers might not like this however Okay’Lavon Chaisson has had a strong season this 12 months and has proven promise. Additionally, Adam Butler and rookie Jonah Laulu have confirmed to be respectable inside rushers. Nevertheless, the Falcons ran everywhere in the Raiders final week with out Crosby as Bijan Robinson logged a season-high 125 speeding yards and 5.7 yards per rush. Additionally, the cornerback room is pretty weak and Jack Jones has a nasty behavior of biting on double strikes. So, operating the ball and a heavy dose of play-action ought to assist Jacksonville put factors on the board.
Query 4: Who’s an under-the-radar participant (or gamers) that Jaguars followers ought to be careful for on this sport?
Can I say Chaisson? Lol. As talked about above, he has performed effectively not too long ago however Jags followers know all about their 2020 first-round decide.
Moehrig has been a very good security this season and, with Crosby sidelined, is the very best participant on Las Vegas’ present protection. He’s been used as a free security previously and continues to be good in that position, however defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been increasing Moehrig’s duties this 12 months with extra reps within the field. That’s allowed him to make an impression in each phases of the sport and unlocked his versatility. The fourth-year professional has even popped off the display screen as a pass-rusher this 12 months, which has been an enormous shock.
Query 5: The Jaguars are 1.5-point underdogs this week in line with FanDuel Sportsbook. Do you anticipate the Raiders to cowl, and do you will have a favourite participant prop for the sport?
I do suppose the Raiders can cowl and win this sport. I truthfully consider they might have crushed the Falcons final week had Aidan O’Connell performed — Desmond Ridder was that unhealthy — and O’Connell is trending towards taking part in this Sunday. Granted, how wholesome he’s will play an element.
For participant prop bets, I just like the rookies to have large video games for each groups. So, I’d take the over on Bowers’ and Brian Thomas Jr.’s receiving yards.
Because of Matt for taking the time to reply our questions!
What are your ideas on the Week 16 matchup, Jaguars followers? Tell us within the feedback!