Detroit Lions v Las Vegas Raiders
Tuesday 31 Oct 11:15am
Detroit Lions (5-2) v Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
NFL Week 8 comes to a close with the Las Vegas Raiders on the road to take on the Detroit Lions.
The Raiders copped a 30-12 beating by the Bears last week to drop to a disappointing 3-4 on the season. That loss prompted a Raiders team meeting in the lead-up to this game where players from every part of the roster were given the floor to air any grievances and commit to a much-improved effort.
Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returns after he missed their Week 7 loss to Chicago due to a back injury. He’s a solid operator and the Raiders do rank 7th in success rate per dropback. Las Vegas’ offensive line has done a good job of giving Garoppolo the time and space needed to make the right decision but their rushing offence has been the least productive in the NFL. Josh Jacobs led the league in rushing last season but has been held to less than 3 yards per carry this year. Las Vegas will also be looking to improve their turnover game as they are the 2nd-worst in committing turnovers and the 3rd-worst in creating them.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has a good connection with Garoppolo and is in fine form with touchdowns in three straight games. He has 37 catches for 385 yards this season and a team-high five touchdowns. Raiders superstar wide receiver Davante Adams has been dealing with a shoulder injury in recent games but was able to practice fully this week. Pro-Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby is carrying a knee injury but is likely to get up for this big Monday Night Football match-up. He is coming off a career-best season and has been a difference-maker again in 2023.
The Lions are looking to bounce back here after being badly beaten by Baltimore last week. The Ravens torched them for 357 passing yards on their way to 38 points. Detroit’s defence ranks highly overall this season but has benefited from playing against some below-average offences in Carolina, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, and Atlanta. Menacing defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will be looking to bring the pressure to the Raiders quarterback.
Detroit will again be without power running back David Montgomery due to a rib injury.
The Lions have a two-game lead over the Vikings in the battle for the NFC North and have a road win over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. They are the better team and do have a strong home record under head coach Dan Campbell. But this is a pretty big number against a team that has some talent and plenty of motivation. Back the Raiders to keep this to a one-score game.
Bet: Raiders +7.5 / J Meyers 65+ yards / J Meyers any time TD at $7
