The Oakland Raiders (3-2) hit the road to take on the Green Bay Packers (5-1) in Week 7 of the 2019 NFL season as both teams look to add to their two-game winning streaks.
The Green Bay Packers have exceeded expectations so far in 2019. They are 5-1 with their only loss coming in a hard-fought game versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football. The Packers’ offense is not as good as prior years, but they still have gotten the job done, partly due to the success of the running game. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have both had their moments. In Week 5, Jones became the first Packer to rush for four touchdowns in a game since Dorsey Levens, who did it in 2000. Then, last week, Jamaal Williams had 18 touches for 136 yards and a beautiful receiving touchdown where he made defenders miss left and right on his way to the end zone. The Packers need to continue to run the ball against a Raiders defense that has let up an average of 92 rushing yards a game.
On the other hand, the Oakland Raiders have been playing great and are currently a playoff team. Sitting at 3-2 and holding the six seed in the AFC, the Raiders have a real shot at making the playoffs for the second time in the last 16 years. However, figuring out how they can beat the Packers in Week 7 should be their main priority. The keys to beating the Packers this week are keeping Aaron Rodgers in the pocket and stopping the run. These are not easy tasks, but after a bye week of studying and game-planning, the Raiders should be in decent shape.
Injuries shouldn’t be a big factor this week for either team. The biggest question for the Packers is regarding Davante Adams’s status. He has been out the past two weeks with a turf toe injury. Adams said that his toe feels “a million times better” but he is trending towards another absence after being unable to practice so far this week. He would be a big help to the struggling Green Bay passing game if he is able to suit up on Sunday.
As for the Raiders, you would think the bye week would help get some players healthy, but they enter the week with 11 players on the injury report. Some big names on the list include a quartet of starters in tight end Darren Waller, running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Tyrell Williams, and the rookie defensive end Clelin Ferrell. Out of these four, all but Williams were able to practice in full capacity and should be good to go this weekend. When the final injury report comes out late Friday evening, we will get a better sense of who and who won’t be able to play.
The last time the Raiders and Packers faced off was back in 2015 when the Packers jumped out to an early lead and ended up winning 30-20. The two standouts from the game were Raiders receiver Amari Cooper, who had 120 yards and two touchdowns, and Packers linebacker Julius Peppers, who had a strong defensive game with four tackles and a season-high 2.5 sacks on Derek Carr.
The Packers lead the all-time series 8-5 and have won the last seven matchups between the two. Regardless of the past, it should be an entertaining game to watch on Sunday.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Green Bay, Wisc.
Stadium: Lambeau Field
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds
Moneyline: OAK: (+215) | GB: (-250)
Spread: OAK: +6 (-115) | GB: -6 (-105)
Total: 46.5 – Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Odds to Win Super Bowl LIV: OAK: (+9000) | GB: (+1200)
Prediction
Although the Raiders had an extra week to rest and plan during their bye week, the Packers have been playing exceptional lately and will continue their success this week at home. The return of Davante Adams will play a huge part in the Packers’ win this coming Sunday.
Score Prediction: Packers 31, Raiders 16
