The Las Vegas Raiders host the New York Giants on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Here are five keys to the game:
Elephant in room:
OK, this is supposed to a keys to victory post. However, many Raiders fans aren’t interested in winning this game because it will likely determine who gets the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft as the the Raiders and Giants are both 2-13 and are tied for the worst record in the league. But the truth is Pete Carroll and his players aren’t focused on the top pick. They want to win. Carry on.
Don’t get Jaxson Dart get rolling:
Giants’ rookie quarterback has had his moments this season. He can be a dangerous player. He struggled badly in Week 16 against Minnesota and the Giants ran the ball on their first 16 plays of the game. But if Dart is let loose, the Raiders must contain him.
More Jeanty:
Raiders’ rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had a huge game after struggling for eight weeks. Jeanty had 128 yards rushing and scored on a 60-yard touchdown catch and a 51-yard run. The Raiders need to ride that same plan this week especially with star tight end Brock Bowers out for the final two games.
Block well:
The Raiders allowed three sacks at Houston, ending a streak of allowing, at least, four sacks in the past six games. The unit also blocked well in the running game for Jeanty. The Giants have a solid defensive front, so the improved blocking needs to continue.
Third-down success:
The Raiders had struggled on third down on both sides of the ball in the three games prior to the Houston game. They got better on offense, but the issues have persisted on defense against the Texans. The Raiders were six of 14 on third down after going 8 of 29 the past three games. Defensively, the Raiders allowed Houston to convert seven of 15 times on third down. The Raiders’ past four opponents have converted on 36 of the past 57 attempts. So, getting better on third down on defense is a must.
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