The Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 17 with a 3-12 record, seeking to build on their recent victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and finish a disappointing season with back-to-back wins. Under head coach Josh McDaniels, the Raiders have faced significant challenges throughout the year, from inconsistent quarterback play to defensive struggles. However, the emergence of rookie tight end Brock Bowers and the steady production of running back Josh Jacobs have provided reasons for optimism. Offensively, the Raiders have relied heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has rushed for over 1,100 yards this season despite often facing stacked boxes. Jacobs remains the focal point of the offense, capable of grinding out tough yards and breaking big runs when given space. In the passing game, Brock Bowers has been a revelation, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent passing attack. Quarterback play has been a source of concern for the Raiders, with both Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell seeing time under center. Turnovers and inefficiency have plagued the position, limiting the offense’s ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The offensive line has also struggled at times, contributing to the team’s difficulties in pass protection and run blocking. Defensively, the Raiders have been one of the league’s most porous units, allowing an average of 27 points per game. The secondary has been particularly vulnerable, giving up big plays and struggling to contain opposing receivers. Pass rusher Maxx Crosby has been the standout performer on this side of the ball, leading the team in sacks and providing consistent pressure on quarterbacks. However, the lack of support from the rest of the defensive line and inconsistent tackling have hampered the Raiders’ ability to get off the field on third down. Special teams have been a relatively stable aspect of the Raiders’ game, with kicker Daniel Carlson continuing to be one of the league’s most reliable scorers. Punter AJ Cole has also been effective, often flipping field position and giving the defense a chance to make stops. The return game, while not explosive, has been dependable, avoiding costly mistakes. Heading into their matchup against the Saints, the Raiders will look to establish Josh Jacobs early and utilize Brock Bowers to exploit mismatches in the Saints’ secondary. Defensively, the focus will be on stopping Alvin Kamara and forcing New Orleans to rely on their backup quarterbacks to move the ball. Generating turnovers and capitalizing on short fields will be critical for the Raiders to secure a victory. This game presents an opportunity for the Raiders to end the season on a positive note and evaluate young players who could be key contributors moving forward. A win would not only provide momentum heading into the offseason but also serve as a testament to the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. With pride and future roster spots on the line, the Raiders are expected to put forth a strong effort in their season finale.