For the Las Vegas Raiders, the good news is there is nowhere left to go but up.
On Sunday, the Raiders play their final road game of the year when they face the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
The Raiders have lost eight straight games heading into this matchup, including arguably their most embarrassing loss of the season last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Texans have taken control of the AFC South with a six-game winning streak. That does not make for the best optics for the Silver and Black, and fans might be preparing (or hoping, in tanking circles) for another blowout.
Here is how the Raiders can defy the odds and at least make things interesting.
Survive the defense
Going up against Houston’s vaunted defense is a tall task for a team that put up only 75 yards of total offense last week.
Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have both wreaked havoc on opposing offensive tackles this year, and Stone Forysthe and DJ Glaze (who have given up a combined 18 sacks) pose as a juicy matchup for them. It is going to force some creativity from the Raiders, and they may have to just keep things short and take what the Texans give them. If they are forced to get one-dimensional and allow Houston to pin their ears back and get into the backfield, this one could get away quickly.
QB1 back online
Geno Smith returns to the starting lineup after missing last week against the Eagles, and he has to feel at least somewhat vindicated after how that game turned out.
Last week revealed plenty of systemic issues surrounding the Raiders offense, and Smith’s play has done little to alleviate the concerns. However, he will have to rely on his veteran instincts to get the ball out quickly and efficiently. Expect heavy doses of Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers and hoping the playmakers can find some wiggle room for extra yards.
Catch them sleeping
The spread in the game has the Raiders as two touchdown underdogs, which is a damning statement on how the season has gone.
However, with jobs potentially on the line and players fighting for NFL futures, the Raiders have to adopt the mindset that anything is possible. The Texans could get caught overlooking what they consider to be a doormat and make a few unexpected mistakes. If the Raiders can capitalize, they might be able to keep themselves in striking distance.
