3 Bold Predictions for Raiders' Matchup vs. Texans

Bold Prediction No. 2

The Raiders will rush for at least 50 yards.

This may not seem like a bold prediction, but the Raiders have not run for more than 50 yards in weeks. They only average about 71 rushing yards per game. That is the worst in the league. The second-worst rushing team in the league averages 20 more rushing yards per game than the Raiders.

This is even bolder because the Texans allow the third-fewest rushing yards per game of any team in the NFL. The Raiders' offense will have to find a way to pull a rabbit out of a hat and make some progress on the ground, no matter how ugly it may look or how many attempts it takes.

Bold Prediction No. 3

The Raiders' offensive line will allow fewer than five sacks.

The Raiders' makeshift offensive line has allowed the most sacks in the league this season, directly contributing to the team's 2-12 record. Predicting the Raiders' offensive line to allow fewer than five sacks against the league's best defense might be the boldest prediction of the season.

Earlier this week, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll spoke about the challenge Houston's defense will present on Sunday. Geno Smith and company must be prepared to adjust to whatever the Texans throw at them.

"They're really good, first off, and they're playing great. Meco's [DeMeco Ryans] got those guys humming, and it's the style of D that we recognize really clearly. They're doing it really well, and they're really active,” Carroll said.

“They have playmakers at all their spots, particularly the edge guys jump out, but it's guys in the middle of the defense too. The linebackers and the safeties are really active and really creative and all that. As far as us, we have to get movement on the line of scrimmage. We got to move the inside guys.”

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