Raiders Pre-Game Notes—Week 6, A Win Finally Incoming?

With Week 6 finally here, the Las Vegas Raiders are eager to get back in the win column. They will face this year’s top draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward. If they are unable to defeat a rookie signal-caller, serious questions will arise afterward. Either way, we have injuries, fantasy, gambling, and more, all in one stop. Let’s get to it.

Vibes

The dumpster is officially on fire. Five weeks into the season, it is evident that the Raiders are not performing well this year. Fortunately, they will be facing a team of similar caliber this week in the Tennessee Titans. However, the Titans are on a different trajectory, coming off their first win of the season.

Injury News

The big one this week is tight end Brock Bowers. Even hobbled, he’s enough of a threat to at least be a decoy. However, the Raiders will be without their prized weapon for the foreseeable future, including the matchup versus the Titans.

Luckily, Michael Mayer has been a full participant in practice this week. On the other side, there will be no Arden Key revenge game this week, as he is out with a quad injury. Furthermore, both teams could have their special teams’ units hobbled this week. Raiders punter AJ Cole is questionable with an ankle injury and Titans kicker Joey Slye is out due to his right calf.

Fantasy Focus

This week, Tre Tucker is the recommended player to start. So far this year, he has excelled every time he has played a bad pass defense, and Tennessee certainly qualifies. At worst, he is a great flex option this week. Elsewhere, the Las Vegas defense is a sneaky streaming play this week. Maxx Crosby and company should have a field day against this Titans offensive line. Plus, rookie quarterback Cam Ward is bound to make a couple mistakes when trying to carry such a bad team.

Gabling Corner

Titans +4.5 feels like a lock this week. If the Raiders do find a way to win this week, it will almost certainly be close. Over 41.5 also looks appealing, as this game has a ton of shootout potential.  Finally, Tucker provides a ton of value to score a touchdown this week at +230.

Expectations

If the Raiders cannot beat the Titans at home this week, everyone should be fired. As hyperbolic as it may sound, that is more or less where we are at this point. Las Vegas must find a way to win, even if it is ugly.

Final Prediction: Raiders 23, Titans 20