4. The Raiders’ Offense Can Hang In A Shootout
The Raiders aren’t a team that will wow you with their offensive roster. They don’t have the most naturally gifted quarterback, or a dominant number-one wide receiver, but together, this Las Vegas team is one that can put up points in bunches.
While Las Vegas’ last two showings haven’t looked like what you would expect from an elite offense, look no further than their first two weeks to show you what they can do to defenses that aren’t up to task. 34 points in Week 1 followed up with another 34-point showing in an upset win over the New Orleans Saints shows just how dangerous the Raiders offense can be.
Derek Carr, rarely ever discussed as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, has been at the heart of the Raiders’ offensive success. His game won’t wow you, but he’s been playing his signature brand of safe, mistake-free football that’s allowed him to get the ball to his playmakers– group that includes elite tight end play from Darren Waller, and a host of solid young receivers.
Beating the Chiefs by shutting down their offense is a tricky task. No matter what you try to throw their way, Mahomes will always be Mahomes, and Andy Reid will always figure out a way to take advantage of your defensive approach. But the Raiders might not need to stop the Chiefs, an offense like theirs has the chance to hang tough with even the best offensive groups in the league.