Coming into the 2021 season, many people thought that the Las Vegas Raiders would be challenging for a spot in the postseason. It was the fourth season Jon Gruden was at the helm and they have improved in every previous season under him.

They looked well on their way to that, opening the season 5-2 with some impressive victories over the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. But then, the distractions began catching up with them.

Gruden resigned after some old emails of his were leaked in the investigation into the Washington Football Team. Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was arrested for killing a person while drunk driving in Las Vegas. Damon Arnette was released after a video surfaced of him brandishing a gun. Nate Hobbs also had an arrest for DUI.

Despite all of the distractions, the Raiders did enough to earn a spot in the postseason. Given all the adversity they faced, the pressure of the playoffs seems like it will be easy to handle.

What can we expect from the Raiders in a rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals? Here are five bold predictions for Las Vegas in their Wild Card game in Cincinnati.

5. Darren Waller Breaks Out

The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Darren Waller. His season was derailed, however, on Thanksgiving when he was injured in the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Waller didn’t play again until Week 18 against the Las Angeles Chargers, catching two of his nine targets for 22 yards. Getting some action in before the postseason was great for him, as he could knock off some rust. Now, he should be closer to 100 percent ready against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Waller torched the Bengals in the first matchup, catching seven passes for 116 yards. He will have his breakout performance against them again, re-announcing his presence as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

Waller will surpass the 100-yard mark, supplanting himself at the top of the Raiders’ pecking order for pass catchers once again.

4. Josh Jacobs Continues Strong Stretch

One of the reasons the Las Vegas Raiders were able to make this push for the postseason was Josh Jacobs. He saved his best for last this season, having his first two 100+ yard performances in the last three games of the season when the team needed it most.

Jacobs is beginning to round into form, as he was unstoppable against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was a blur in that game, breaking tackles with ease to extend runs.

Las Vegas will get more of the same against the Bengals. After having only 37 yards in the first meeting, Jacobs will more than double that number. He will have at least 100 combined yards, at least 80 of which will come on the ground.

3. Joe Burrow Is Under Siege

One of the keys for the Las Vegas Raiders in picking up the upset win is to get after Joe Burrow. They had mild success the first time around, getting after him for just under his normal average for pressures.

Maxx Crosby was held in check the first time around, as he had only three quarterback pressures. This time around, they will change that. Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue will set the tone and each pick up at least one sack on the day.

As a team, the Raiders will sack Burrow at least five times, as they will relentlessly pressure him in an attempt to slow down what is an explosive passing attack.

2. Ja’Marr Chase Held In Check

This bold prediction is a continuation of the last one. If the Las Vegas Raiders can get pressure on Joe Burrow and get him off his spot, he will have to get the ball out of his hands quickly.

As a result, their downfield pass game will take a hit. That is where Ja’Marr Chase has been thriving, but the Raiders will be able to hold him in check. Chase won’t approach 100-yards receiving, as Burrow will find his underneath and intermediate targets in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd more because of the pressure the Raiders will bring.

Chase was quiet in the first matchup as well, catching three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown.

1. They Pull Off The Upset

The Las Vegas Raiders have all of the pieces to compete with the Cincinnati Bengals. They are motivated to exact some revenge from the meeting earlier in the season and that is exactly what they will do.

Despite the cold weather and possible snow, the Raiders will go into Paul Brown Stadium and pick up the upset victory on Saturday night. Their pass rush will be too much for the Bengals’ offensive line to overcome and the offense will do just enough to get the victory on the road.

Expect this to be a close game throughout. Las Vegas will win by one score, as they will pressure Burrow into a late turnover to help seal the game and advance onto the Divisional Round next week.