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Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints: Week 17 Analysis & Predictions
The Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints clash in Week 17 at the iconic Caesars Superdome. Both teams have faced a challenging season, making this matchup pivotal for ending the year on a high note. In this article, we’ll analyze key stats, discuss player performances, and provide predictions to help you make informed decisions.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Preview
The Raiders enter Week 17 with a 6-game losing streak on the road, reflecting struggles in consistency. Here’s an overview of their performance metrics:
- Passing Game: Gardner Minshew has thrown for 2,013 yards, completing 66.3% of his passes with a 9:10 TD-to-INT ratio. Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers have been the standout targets, amassing 1,910 receiving yards combined and six touchdowns.
- Rushing Attack: Alexander Mattison leads the ground game with 368 rushing yards and four touchdowns, but the Raiders average only 77.5 rushing yards per game.
- Defense: Las Vegas concedes an average of 26 points and 328.1 yards per game. Robert Spillane leads the defense with 134 tackles, while Maxx Crosby’s 7.5 sacks showcase his impact.
The Raiders’ main challenge remains their turnover differential, ranked 31st in the NFL at -17.
New Orleans Saints Betting Preview
The Saints’ recent struggles include losing 5 of their last 7 home games. Key statistics for Week 17:
- Passing Game: Spencer Rattler’s 56% completion rate for 859 yards and a 2:3 TD-to-INT ratio highlights inconsistency. Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson have been bright spots, combining for 945 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
- Rushing Attack: Kamara leads with 950 rushing yards and six touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team’s 120.6 rushing yards per game.
- Defense: The Saints’ defense allows 23.1 points and 378.4 yards per game. Demario Davis has been a key player with 114 tackles, while Bryan Bresee’s 7.5 sacks have bolstered the pass rush.
Notably, the Saints rank 30th in rushing yards allowed per game, giving the Raiders an opportunity to exploit the ground game.
Why the Las Vegas Raiders Could Win
- Road Resilience: Despite their struggles, the Raiders have covered the spread in four of their last five road games before division matchups.
- Offensive Spark: Jakobi Meyers’ consistency, with touchdowns in seven of the last eight games as favorites, gives the Raiders an edge.
- Saints’ Weaknesses: New Orleans has lost the first half in four of their last five December games against AFC opponents, creating opportunities for the Raiders to start strong.
Why the New Orleans Saints Could Win
- Kamara’s Dominance: Alvin Kamara’s 950 rushing yards make him a focal point against a Raiders defense that ranks 31st in turnover differential.
- Home Field Advantage: While inconsistent, the Saints’ familiarity with the Superdome environment could boost morale and performance.
- Defensive Playmakers: Players like Demario Davis and Bryan Bresee can disrupt the Raiders’ offensive rhythm.
Key Player Prop Insights
New Orleans Saints:
- Jamaal Williams: Recorded 22+ rushing yards in each of his last four Week 17 games.
- Chris Olave: Scored touchdowns in his last four Superdome appearances against teams with a losing record.
Las Vegas Raiders:
- Tre Tucker: Has 41+ receiving yards in four consecutive Sunday games as favorites.
- Alexander Mattison: Recorded 60+ rushing and receiving yards in his last four games as a road favorite.
Matchup Trends
- The Raiders rank 31st in Q3 points per game (2.4), indicating struggles after halftime.
- The Saints’ defense ranks T30th in fumbles recovered, showing a lack of opportunistic plays.
Prediction
While both teams face significant hurdles, the Raiders have shown flashes of resilience under Antonio Pierce. With a better ground game strategy and fewer errors, they could capitalize on the Saints’ defensive vulnerabilities. Final score prediction:
Raiders 24, Saints 21
Insights
How has Derek Carr performed against AFC opponents?
Derek Carr has excelled against AFC teams, throwing two touchdowns in his last five games as an underdog.
What’s the biggest concern for the Saints?
The Saints’ defense ranks poorly in stopping the run, making them susceptible to Alexander Mattison and the Raiders’ ground game.
Can the Raiders maintain a competitive edge?
Despite a poor turnover differential, their performance in key moments, such as covering spreads in road games, suggests they can stay competitive.
By focusing on these dynamics, fans and bettors alike can approach this Week 17 matchup with clarity and confidence.
