Raiders vs Packers: Week 7 Matchup

Aaron breaks down both sides of the ball in his preview of Sunday's showdown with the Raiders.

For the second week in a row, Matt LaFleur and the Packers welcome a team coming off a bye week into Lambeau Field. The Packers are extremely banged up on the offensive side of the ball and will need contributions from several role players to move the ball and score points on Sunday. 

Here's a look at what to expect from both sides of the ball and my sure-to-be-incorrect call on who wins the game. 

When The Raiders Have The Ball

One could be forgiven for not buying into the Packers run defense after the game down in Dallas, since the score did more to slow down the Cowboys on the ground than Green Bay's defense did. However, the defense that took the field Monday night looked to be a much improved unit when it came to limiting the run on early downs. While it's too early to say Mike Pettine and company have solved the issue, it is certainly trending in the right direction. 

The most notable change was in the play of Dean Lowry, who had been up and down in the early part of the season. Monday, however, he played one of his best games in a Packers uniform and that improved play translated to shutting down the Lions on the ground. He'll face a tougher test when the Raiders come to town. Oakland is averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the year and 134.4 rushing yards per game. Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson will undoubtedly pound the football early and often as long as the score isn't out of hand. 

Rookie running back Josh Jacobs will be the focal point of Oakland's attack, and for good reason. The youngster is producing, most recently running for 126 yards and two touchdowns against an excellent Bears defense over in London. Lowry and company will have to replicate their disciplined play from Monday night because getting just one guy out of his gap will result in Jacobs making them pay. 

When it comes to the passing game, Olson does a great job getting quarterback Derek Carr quick, rhythm throws that get the ball out of his hands quickly. Carr doesn't have a bevy of talented pass catchers available to him this week, but the one true threat is tight end Darren Waller, who the team recently locked up long term. Waller is legit and Carr has targeted him nearly twice as much as his next most frequent target, Tyrell Williams. (Williams will most likely not play as he is dealing with a plantar fascia injury.)

One wrinkle to expect from the Raiders is misdirection that ends with the ball in the hands of former Packer Trevor Davis. Whether on a reverse or a WR screen, Olson will probably try to get the ball in his hands a variety of ways. 

Pettine will roll things toward Waller as much as possible, probably utilizing Adrian Amos in man situations and bracket coverage when possible on obvious passing downs. 

Pettine hasn't been particularly blitz happy this season and that figures to continue against the Raiders, who will most likely be without starting tackle Trent Brown. (The offseason acquisition is dealing with issues both on and off the field.) Look for Preston Smith to take advantage of another backup if the Packers are able to get the Raiders into obvious passing situations. 

When The Packers Have The Ball

Davante Adams will miss his third straight game with a turf toe injury. MVS and Geronimo will be hard pressed to play. (If I had to guess which one is more likely to be active, I'd go with MVS)

The Packers will most likely roll with Allen Lazard, Jake Kumerow, Darius Shepherd and recently signed Ryan Grant at wide receiver. Giddy up. 

While I am (kind of) joking with the Tweet above, this will be a daunting task for Matt LaFleur, to say the least. However, as he explained earlier today, part of part of the NFL life is making the necessary adjustments from week to week not only for your opponent but what you have available personnel-wise. This week is no different.LaFleur and Rodgers went down to Dallas and put together an offensive game plan that led to 34 points with only a four reception contribution from the wide receiver position. Obviously that shouldn't be THE PLAN, but it speaks to the idea that you can produce yards and points, yes even in the passing game, by utilizing your backs and tight ends a bit more. 

To that end, I would expect a bevy of screens from LaFleur this week that come off run action. Hopefully they sneak Vitale into the flat a few times and then get him vertical both on wheel and option routes. He hasn't been utilized much in the passing game this season and if ever there was a game to unleash the beast, this is the one. 

When it comes to the ground game, both backs actually ran the ball well last week, Jamaal Williams was just given more opportunities. Some of this was the proverbial "riding the hot hand" and some of it was due to early mistake from Aaron Jones with the lost fumble and dropped touchdown pass. I expect to see another game where both are utilized, even out of the same backfield. This is something LaFleur has sprinkled in a few times each game both have been available and it makes a lot of sense this week, especially when trying to get both backs involved in the passing game. 

Enough Already Who Wins

The Packers can't afford to sleepwalk through the first quarter again, and I don't think they will. I expect LaFleur to have this team ready to face a significant challenge on the offensive side of the ball and to limit the Raiders effectives on offense by committing to stopping the run and daring Carr to beat them. I don't think he does. 

Packers: 24

Raiders: 20

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

8 points
 

Comments (38)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Since'61's picture

October 18, 2019 at 04:18 pm

I like the Pack 28 - 13. Thanks, Since '61

3 points
4
1
flackcatcher's picture

October 18, 2019 at 05:44 pm

OK who let the Raider fan in.....

3 points
3
0
MikeS's picture

October 18, 2019 at 04:27 pm

Pack 24 Raiders 16. Also What does Rashan Gary have in common with Derrick Sherrod and Tony Mandrich? All 3 are 1st round picks and all 3 are busts.

-18 points
3
21
PackerAaron's picture

October 18, 2019 at 05:13 pm

That's a pretty dumb comment, Mike.

12 points
12
0
GilbertBurger's picture

October 18, 2019 at 06:07 pm

Grow up

3 points
4
1
4thand1's picture

October 18, 2019 at 08:12 pm

Aaron, you were off the mark by calling the comment dumb, it was downright ridiculous rubber room worthy.

2 points
2
0
Christian Roussel's picture

October 18, 2019 at 08:55 pm

Come on Mike 6 games in. Take a deep breath and enjoy 5-1.

3 points
3
0
Samson's picture

October 18, 2019 at 09:08 pm

Six games into his rookie season & Mikey can only denigrate the player... Mikey, try learning about NFL football before posting complete nonsense.

2 points
2
0
egbertsouse's picture

October 19, 2019 at 08:35 am

Yeah, totally crazy comment. Three busts!? Everyone knows Mandarich had a fairly decent career with the Colts.

0 points
0
0
Slim11's picture

October 19, 2019 at 11:54 am

Uninformed comment about all three!

Mandarich was a bust in Green Bay, no question.

Sherrod was a first round pick who, because of no CBA, had no OTAs ...came into training camp as a rookie penciled in as a starting guard after playing tackle most, if not all, his college career. Then, he breaks a leg which he never recovers from enough to be a decent player. That's mostly on the Packers and not on him.

Gary's a bust? After six games? See my first line.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:15 pm

OK. Let's put the bullhorn in Your Eardrums just to get the message accross, Loud and Clear--get back on your meds or
tune into your pathetic purple website dedicated to your slumlord owners. Gary will more than likely contribute KEY Plays as this season progresses and his Game develops. Much like CMIII started making plays by the Middle of His Rookie season. How much of your bullshit can an adult Fan tolerate. Answer--zero.

1 points
1
0
flackcatcher's picture

October 18, 2019 at 05:43 pm

Hmmm.......(Long pause) (Longer Pause......) I GOT NOTHING! (Hangs head in shame) Look, this is an unscouted team from the (ugh) AFC. Video looks are really limited, so the Packers will not have a good idea of what they are facing until after the 1 quarter. Same goes for the Raiders. Could be a pretty funky 1st half. Generally, it comes down to who's the more complete team for the game. Bear's got beat because they where not ready mentally in London. If the Packers are not in the game early, they could easily lose this one. Remember, the talent level across the league is a lot closer than we fans think. Week to week league folks. Time for short Flacky. This game will be decided by the defenses. I expect both teams will be in some sort match up combo coverage for the bulk of the game. Look for the Packers to be extremely aggressive in their secondary with 0 coverage. Man on man across the board. More straight 3-4 with both ILB playing though third down. The Smiths will be dancing on Sunday... Offense: Both teams, ground and pound and play action. This game will be decided by the lines on both sides of the ball. I fully expect the Packer Lines to chew up the Raiders over the course of this game. Rodgers will have time, Carr will not. This falls right into MLF game planning with short passes, wheel routes and deep digs and post patterns. X-factor: Injuries. The list is starting to get a bit longer as the teams close into mid season. So far the depth issue has not bit the Packers in the rear end, give MLF staff credit for good coaching. But this really belongs to IAMGUTE and his personal staff for getting the right players for the Packers on their roster. Who Wins: ME!!!! (Nagler never right. Nagler never right..heh heh heh. Had to slide that in..) Seriously, inter conference games are always a crap shoot. Both teams are playing for playoff slots, so this game is important. Packers by two touchdowns. (Not so short Flacky again. Nuts.....) PS. I forget special teams. I pray for their success (sigh..) Both kickers just do their jobs, that will pin the Raiders and the defense will do the rest. Go Pack.

-1 points
2
3
jannes bjornson's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:20 pm

Stop their running Game and Gruden has to try for points with his QB and zero receivers. The TE should be eliminated by Amos. Lowry getting his mojo back will be helpful. Montravious did his job last tilt. Goodson getting his
rythym with this defense. Can Martines elevate hois game?

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:29 pm

Martinez... his etc...spell check by a computer leaves the world wondering "are we in good hands"

-1 points
0
1
Lare's picture

October 18, 2019 at 06:26 pm

Pack wins the turnover battle, controls the LOS- Packers 24, Raiders 10.

The only variable is the officiating. The Lions whined a lot last week so the refs may try to give this game to the Raiders to show they're unbiased.

7 points
7
0
Jonathan Spader's picture

October 18, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Can't blame the Lions fans for whining they really didn't deserve that TD on 4th and goal.

2 points
2
0
Daren726's picture

October 19, 2019 at 07:22 am

I agree. There were a lot of other calls that went their way also. No room to whine.

0 points
0
0
jannes bjornson's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:25 pm

If they wanted to win score TDs, not field goals. Whining about refs in meaningless. Payton pouted and now you have another layer of techno-ineptitude with diminished flow in the already momentum killing tedium of "official reviews' Pathetic.

0 points
0
0
Sureshot's picture

October 19, 2019 at 05:15 am

I also fear something bad regarding officiating.
They took so much heat for the controversial calls that "gave" the Packers the win (even though one controversial call gave the Lions a TD on 4th&goal) that I expect some kind of compensation.

0 points
0
0
Tundraboy's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:13 pm

oml

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

October 18, 2019 at 08:16 pm

I am a lot more optimistic with the Packers after 6 games. The Pack has the ability to control both lines of scrimmage, especially on the offensive side of the ball. They don't lose the turnover battle and score 30+ to the Raiders 17 to 20.

5 points
5
0
albert999's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:52 am

The Packers have five turnovers and zero takeaways in their last two home games.

0 points
0
0
Samson's picture

October 18, 2019 at 09:16 pm

The WR situation definitely makes this game "kinda unpredictable"... AR will have to dig deep & make the best of a questionable & challenging situation... MVS may be able to play yet... Gametime decision.... Jones & Williams need to be used often, both running & receiving.

The "D" needs many 3 & outs & a few sacks & a few TOs... I think they will get all three... Let the Raiders run for 125+ but force Carr to beat ya throwing on 3rd down.... He's just not good enough. -- Pack 26... Raiders 13.

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

October 18, 2019 at 10:12 pm

We do keep winning close games, and we are one play from being undefeated. We've played some good teams.

Despite everything. So you'd be smart to like our chances against a good and rested opponent. But we have to quit turning the ball over.

We have an excellent chance of being 6-2 at halfway mark.

-2 points
0
2
FITZCORE1252's picture

October 19, 2019 at 12:44 am

6-2?

We have an excellent chance of being 7-1 at the halfway mark.

GPG

3 points
3
0
Bearmeat's picture

October 20, 2019 at 05:47 am

Where the heck have you been for years? lol

0 points
0
0
ALLGASNOBRAKES's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:34 am

The Packers are plus 4 in TO differential this year and have lost the TO battle 2 times (Eagles & Lions) yet are 1-1 in those games. Both Williams and Joines have been pretty damn sure-handed with the ball and Rodgers hasn't thrown an interception that was HIS fault since the Carolina game in 2017 when he came back from his second broken collarbone.

I think they'll be just fine moving forward. TO's really aren't the concern, but HEALTHY WR's certainly are.

I also wouldn't count the Packers out vs the Chiefs either. Savage was close this week and Adams is getting closer. The Chiefs have shown they have PLENTY of issues and that was BEFORE losing Mahommie.

2 points
2
0
Ryan3468's picture

October 19, 2019 at 12:05 am

Carr hasn’t been “The Man” since the broken leg. I really respected his game up until that point and I just haven’t seen him being himself since the injury. I figure Green Bay will be in the backfield a lot on Sunday. Rogers and this offense just needs to battle and gain some valuable reps together. They will find the groove soon! Go Pack Go!

2 points
2
0
mrtundra's picture

October 19, 2019 at 08:46 am

I can see Fackrell having a big game on Sunday.

0 points
0
0
SterlingSharpe's picture

October 19, 2019 at 04:29 am

I thought MVS came back Monday night & finished the game well. Did he suffer a setback in practice this week?

-1 points
0
1
flackcatcher's picture

October 19, 2019 at 07:20 am

Combo of short week and recovery time. No matter how much treatment it takes time for the swelling to go down, and that is the main factor in early treatment. At best MVS will be limited, if he suits up. I suspect the Packers do not want him on the field if they could help it.

0 points
0
0
jamesstarr's picture

October 19, 2019 at 07:57 am

Good morning
Must be ready to play Raiders are rested and confident no time to be sloppy and stagnant
O must find a way to move ball despite the obvious wide receiver issues without being predictable or turnovers attack weaknesses get TDS
D shut then down force turnovers
Someone needs to step up
Be focused get the WIN stay healthy
And hope Adams gets back healthy for KC and GUTE sees they need to obtain O weapons to help AR like OJ HOWARD, SANDERS or PARKER? Just need more with or without TAE
Packers 34 Raiders 20
Go Pack Go
James

-1 points
0
1
mnbadger's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:07 am

Possibility of Officiating makeup is scary, as is run defense. If Pack gets up early, they win going away 31 -13.

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

October 19, 2019 at 09:51 am

The Packers have five turnovers and zero takeaways in their last two home games.
Gotta protect the ball and create turnovers

1 points
1
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 19, 2019 at 08:14 pm

Thankfully we won't have to look at those all white uniforms this Sunday.

2 points
2
0
Harold Drake's picture

October 20, 2019 at 01:36 am

If one studies how the Patriots under Belichick have stayed on top for so long, it's their willingness to use every opportunity to strengthen their team - even to the point of taking on an Antonio Brown. Notwithstanding that aberrant decision, the Patriots take a very clinical and ruthless approach to assembling the best possible team.

Following that strategy, the Packers would do well do upgrade their receiving corps prior to the trade deadline with the acquisition of an elite WR provided that they can do so without giving away a No. 1 draft pick. Gutekunst has apparently already inquired with the Broncos about acquiring Sanders and that would indicate that the Pack is in the market to bolster an underperforming receiving corps.

If the Packers want to contend in the post-season, assuming they continue their winning form and make the playoffs - very likely statistical probability - they should not simply rely on the hopes that MVS or Lazard develop into game-breakers. Contrary to what Mr Nagler believes, bringing on board a top WR does not necessarily mean that MVS, Lazard, and the other young Packers' WRs will NOT be getting enough snaps to continue their progression.

And if Packers' management believes that the team is a legitimate contender to go deep into the playoffs, then it needs to give Aaron Rodgers - a future Hall of Fame QB - an additional weapon with which to improve the Packers' offensive production. Merely hoping that MVS and Lazard will blossom into elite WRs as this season progresses is not enough - the Pack needs to be willing to add a Sanders or even possibly an AJ Green which would give Rodgers the kind of WR arsenal that this team hasn't had since the days of Jennings, Jones, and Jordy! Do you remember what that was like? Go Pack Go!

3 points
3
0
Bure9620's picture

October 20, 2019 at 07:13 am

I don't know that those 2 receivers blossom into "elite" players this year. The only elite receiver on the team is DA, as long as he is out, this offense will not be as dynamic. The positive is that Rodgers will not continually lock on to Adams every play. His being out forces Rodgers to go through progressions play in rythym, and get the ball out. Lazard was my training camp crush and I freaked out when he was released and Shepperd was kept as many on here remember. I was a self described Lazard truther. I am not convinced Darrius Shepperd is an NFL football player and never was during TC. (Not the greatest Gute move imo). So glad he was not claimed and made it to the 53. MVS simply stretches the defense. He keeps them honest, though it may be smart to sit him today to ensure he is 100% moving forward.

0 points
0
0
Bure9620's picture

October 20, 2019 at 06:46 am

I'm afraid the Trevor Davis trade will bite us today. I think the Raiders are using him better offensively and getting Davis in space. You know he will be ready to play the Packers and very motivated. I think Davis could have over 100 all purpose yards and a TD today. But, Packers 27, Raiders 21.

0 points
0
0