The Raiders want to continue their good dynamic in a city they know well.
Kick-off Thursday night to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Los Angeles Rams (3-9) – Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
At the start of the season, this Thursday Night Football could seem enticing. On one side the defending champion, on the other a team in the making which has just welcomed a new coach and the best receiver in the league. 13 weeks later, the results make us a little disillusioned. Never had the Super Bowl winner been in so much trouble the year following his title. Opposite, the honeymoon did not last very long between McDaniels and Las Vegas. Result, neither of the two teams is able for the moment to qualify for the playoffs. And while the Rams have certainly lost hope completely, the Raiders still have a slim chance. For this, they will have to win in a city they know well.
Finally the end of the tunnel?
During 13 years, the Raiders lived in Los Angeles. Each return to Hollywood is necessarily a small event. With the Chargers in the division, Las Vegas moves to California at least once a season. The last time was in the first week of competition and a loss 24-19. A match heralding a complicated start to the season for Josh McDaniels’ men. The former offensive coordinator of the Patriots had a hard time putting mayonnaise on a talented workforce. And after more than two months of trial and error, the franchise posted a balance sheet of only 2 wins for 7 losses.
For 3 weeks, however, the Raiders seem to have turned a corner. Like their victories in Denver (22-16, ap)in Seattle (40-34, ap) and against the Chargers (27-20). Las Vegas haven’t lost in almost a month (loss to the Colts on November 13, 25-20). Is this finally the end of the tunnel for the Nevada franchise? Some signals are in any case very positive, especially in attack, where McDaniels was expected. Some skills players are on fire. Josh Jacobs, for example, has seemed unstoppable for three games. It’s simple, during these three victories, he had 482 yards and 3 TDs for an average of 5.81 yards per carry.
But he is not the only one. Inevitably, all eyes are on Davante Adams, THE flagship rookie of this summer in Las Vegas. And the least we can say, the former Packer assumes his status. For 5 matches for example, he displays 41 receptions, 664 yards and 7 TDss. His duel with Jalen Ramsey will also be one of the most exciting to watch. The cornerback, a little more in difficulty this season, remains an outstanding competitor. However, he is part of a defense that does not regain its mojo from last year. A similar observation for this attack which skates. Sean McVay can no longer find a solution and each match is an ordeal. This Thursday, they will once again be orphaned by Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald. When nothing goes, nothing goes.
