Raiders face Cowboys in primetime clash of struggling teams

The records do not indicate this as a marquee matchup, but the Las Vegas Raiders are hoping to shine under the bright lines at last.

On Monday, the Raiders are featured in their second straight primetime game, this time against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.

Both teams have had seasons to forget so far, and playoffs feel well out of reach for both sides. However, the proud histories of both franchises ensure that there is plenty on the line. With both teams desperate to shake off the funk of the first half of the season, a win tonight is crucial.

Here is how the Raiders can pull off the victory in what is likely their final primetime game of the season.

Primetime blues

In their previous two outings in the national spotlight, the Raiders have not made the beat of impressions.

Not only have the Raiders lost both times, but the offense has been ghastly with an average of eight points and 203 yards. It has highlighted what has been a rocky first year in Las Vegas for quarterback Geno Smith, and players like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers have had to deal with inconsistent results. If the Raiders want to be taken seriously, this game has to see a better effort.

New stars for the Star

On paper, the Raiders should be set for an offensive bounceback against Dallas’ 31st-ranked defense.

However, the trade deadline turned all of that on its head, with the Cowboys bringing in former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson and former New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Both are expected to make their debuts for their new team in this game, so the dynamic has changed quickly on the Raiders. Adjustments will have to be made to prepare for the new arrivals, so Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly have their work cut out for them.

Watch for explosions

While much of the attention will be centered around when the Raiders have the ball, the Cowboys’ offense has the potential to score at any time.

The Cowboys boast a top-five offense in the league, with the offseason additions of wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams paying off in spades. Carroll knows Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer from their shared time with the Seattle Seahawks, so he should know how to prepare the Raiders defense schematically. It will be up to Maxx Crosby and the rest of the team to ensure that they do not give up more big plays than necessary.