Eagles vs. Raiders: Top 5 Key Matchups to Watch

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

The Philadelphia Eagles aim to reverse their fortunes against the Las Vegas Raiders in an upcoming matchup. With a record of 8-5, the Eagles have fallen into a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Raiders sit at 2-11, struggling to find consistency this season.

Eagles vs. Raiders: Top 5 Key Matchups to Watch

1. Quarterback Situation

Kenny Pickett, who played for the Eagles last season, may lead the Raiders after Geno Smith’s injury. Smith is out with a right shoulder injury and has struggled this season, throwing 14 interceptions. Pickett stepped in during a recent game, performing adequately against a strong Broncos defense.

In 2024, Pickett compiled a solid performance against the Cowboys, with a quarterback rating of 119.6. While he faces challenges with a weak offensive line and limited receiving options, he remains a competent option for the Raiders.

2. Brock Bowers: The Raiders’ Key Offensive Weapon

The primary offensive threat for the Raiders is tight end Brock Bowers. In his rookie season, Bowers tallied 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. Although he has missed four games this season, he continues to be a focal point for the Raiders’ offense.

2025 Stats: 53 receptions, 619 yards, 6 touchdowns
Strengths: Excellent route running and effective yards after the catch

The Eagles’ defense has been effective against tight ends, allowing only 428 yards this season, the lowest in the NFL.

3. Raiders’ Struggles in Rushing Offense

The Raiders rank last in the league for rushing offense, with only 72.7 yards per game this season. They have failed to improve from a disappointing 2024 season, when they averaged just 79.8 rushing yards.

Key Player: Ashton Jeanty, selected 6th overall in the 2025 draft
Offensive Line Issues: Injuries have compounded the Raiders’ struggles, leading to a shaky performance on the ground.

4. Challenges for the Eagles’ Offensive Line

The Eagles may be without Lane Johnson, who has been nursing a Lisfranc sprain. His replacement, Fred Johnson, also faces an injury concern. This situation poses a significant challenge against Raiders’ star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who has accumulated nine sacks this season.

Team Sacks: The Raiders currently sit with just 26 total sacks.

5. Jalen Hurts: The Key to the Eagles’ Offense

Against the Raiders, Jalen Hurts must capitalize on his opportunities downfield, particularly against stacked boxes. The Raiders have a tendency to crowd the line of scrimmage, and Hurts needs to connect with key receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

This game will take place under challenging weather conditions, with potential snowfall and temperatures around 27 degrees. Hurts must overcome recent struggles to deliver a strong performance in these elements.

The upcoming matchup between the Eagles and Raiders offers several intriguing storylines. Fans hope for a turnaround as both teams look to improve their standings.