The Las Vegas Raiders‘ offense will face an incredibly difficult challenge in Week 16. Sunday’s opponent, the Houston Texans, have allowed the fewest yards per game (269.2) in the NFL. Not an ideal adversary for an offense coming off of a 31-0 shutout loss.
Nonetheless, we’ve identified three potential X-factors for the Raiders’ offense against the Texans in Week 16.
Geno Smith, QB
Current indications are that Geno Smith will return at quarterback after missing Week 15 with an injury. Backup signal-caller Kenny Pickett failed to kickstart the Raiders’ offense, leading them to precisely zero points. The Raiders are better with Smith at quarterback.
Caleb Rogers, IOL
Raiders rookie right guard Caleb Rogers has been impressive since finally entering the starting lineup. The former Texas Tech standout will be tested on Sunday. The Texans have a ton of talent across the defensive line, including interior rushers like Denico Autry. It’ll be a good test of character for Rogers.
Brock Bowers, TE
If the Raiders are going to upset the Texans, they’ll need their stars to produce. If Smith is at quarterback, he needs to make Brock Bowers his go-to target. Bowers only produced a season-low 28 receiving yards last week. That number needs to considerably rise this weekend.