The Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 15 with a 2-11 record, enduring a challenging season marked by a nine-game losing streak. Under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the team is striving to find stability and end the season on a positive note. The upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons provides an opportunity to break the skid and showcase the team’s resilience. Offensively, the Raiders have struggled to find consistency, averaging 16.2 points per game. The quarterback position has been a revolving door due to injuries and performance issues. Aidan O’Connell, who began the season as the starter, suffered a knee injury diagnosed as a bone bruise and is expected to miss multiple games. In his absence, Desmond Ridder has been named the starting quarterback. Ridder, originally drafted by the Falcons and later traded to the Raiders, has an 8-9 record as a starter and has struggled with ball security, recording 18 fumbles in 22 games. This game against his former team presents a unique opportunity for Ridder to prove his capabilities. The receiving corps has been led by tight end Brock Bowers, who has 57 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns. Bowers has been a reliable target, especially in critical situations. Wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker have contributed, but the passing game has lacked explosiveness. The offensive line has faced challenges in pass protection, contributing to the quarterbacks’ struggles. The ground game has been underwhelming, with running back Alexander Mattison leading the team with 301 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The lack of a consistent rushing attack has made the offense one-dimensional, allowing defenses to focus on the passing game. Improving the run game will be crucial to alleviate pressure on Ridder and open up play-action opportunities. Defensively, the Raiders have allowed 27.1 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. The pass rush has been inconsistent, and the secondary has been susceptible to big plays. However, there have been signs of improvement, with the defense increasing their season takeaway total in recent games. Linebacker Sincere McCormick has emerged as a playmaker in recent weeks, leading the team in tackles and showing promise as a leader on defense. Defensive end Maxx Crosby remains the anchor of the Raiders’ pass rush, with his relentless motor and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. However, Crosby has lacked consistent support from the rest of the defensive line, limiting the unit’s overall effectiveness. In the secondary, safety Tre’von Moehrig has been a bright spot, recording multiple interceptions and providing solid coverage against deep passes. The Raiders’ defense will need to capitalize on any opportunities to force turnovers, especially against a Falcons offense led by Kirk Cousins, who has struggled with interceptions recently. Limiting big plays from Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and containing their passing attack will be critical for Las Vegas to keep the game competitive. Special teams have been inconsistent for the Raiders, with kicker Daniel Carlson enduring an uncharacteristically shaky season. While Carlson has made several clutch kicks in past seasons, his accuracy on longer attempts has dipped in 2024. The return game, led by Tre Tucker, has shown flashes but has not consistently provided advantageous field position. Improving special teams execution could be a deciding factor in a close game. As the Raiders prepare for this game, interim head coach Antonio Pierce has emphasized the importance of effort and execution. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus is on player development and building momentum for the future. Pierce has challenged his team to finish the season strong and take pride in their performances, regardless of the standings. Offensively, the Raiders will aim to establish the run game early to alleviate pressure on Desmond Ridder and set up manageable third downs. Utilizing short, high-percentage passes to Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers could help Ridder find a rhythm and build confidence. Defensively, the key will be pressuring Cousins into mistakes while maintaining discipline in run defense against Bijan Robinson. A victory against the Falcons would not only snap the Raiders’ losing streak but also provide a morale boost for the team and its fanbase. Playing at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders will look to feed off the energy of their home crowd and deliver a performance that showcases their potential. Ultimately, the Raiders’ chances of winning this game depend on their ability to limit turnovers, execute in the red zone, and play complementary football across all three phases. While their season has not gone as planned, this matchup offers an opportunity to make a statement and end their skid against a struggling Falcons team.