Saints (1-0) at Raiders (1-0)
Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
TV: ESPN/ABC
Danny Sheridan’s line:
1⁄
2
Saints’ keys to victory: The Saints should have their way with the Raiders on offense, but the key to securing a victory will be stopping the Raiders’ run game. The Raiders want to feed RB Josh Jacobs, and their massive offensive line allows them to do so. If the Saints can dominate the Raiders’ interior offensive line, they should have no problem slowing down their rushing attack. On offense, look for a bunch of short passing, especially to the running backs, to exploit the Raiders’ shaky linebacker play. Also, expect the Saints to target TE Jared Cook and TE Taysom Hill as the Raiders can be exposed in the middle of the field.
Raiders’ keys to victory: It starts with their pass rush and getting pressure on Saints QB Drew Brees. If they can disrupt his rhythm at all, they can slow down the offense enough to keep themselves in the game. On offense, the Raiders will need QB Derek Carr to be accurate and aggressive, taking shots down the field to WR Henry Ruggs III and WR Nelson Agholor. A more aggressive Carr makes the Raiders a better offense.
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen. Saints WR Michael Thomas is arguably the best receiver in the NFL and the Raiders will have their hands full with the All-Pro. Look for Mullen, a secondyear player, to handle Thomas.
Who wins? The Saints are just a better team and should be able to score at will. Expect Brees and Thomas to have big games and to score into the 30s, despite being on the road. Don’t expect this game to be close.
Saints, 35-24
Saints