Las Vegas Raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Raiders Make QB Change to Spark Offense vs. Steelers

With an end goal to reignite their offense, the Las Vegas Raiders are rolling out an improvement at quarterback, with second-year signal-guest Aidan O’Connell set to assume control from veteran Gardner Minshew II when they have the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday evening in Las Vegas. This move comes as the Raiders (2-3) try to bounce back from an unpleasant start to the season.

In the interim, the circumstance encompassing the Raiders’ star wide receiver, Davante Adams, stays unaltered. Adams is probably going to miss his third continuous game because of a hamstring injury, and exchange reports keep on whirling around the eleventh year veteran, who has posted five 1,000-yard crusades in his past six seasons. In spite of the vulnerability, Raiders lead trainer Antonio Pierce demands that Adams is still a lot of a piece of the team.

“We talked so everything’s good,” Pierce said. “He is still a Raider. He has never not been a Raider. When he’s healthy and can play, we’ll play him.”

Raiders Turn to O’Connell for a Spark

With Adams out, the Raiders will look to O’Connell, a Purdue product, to jump-start their offense. O’Connell is set to make his first start of the 2024 season after starting 10 games as a rookie in 2023. He has played in two games this year in a backup role, completing 19 of 32 passes for 176 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The decision to bench Minshew comes after the veteran quarterback struggled last week, throwing two costly interceptions in a 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos. Pierce noted that O’Connell had earned the opportunity to start but left the door open for future changes if needed.

“I don’t plan on making switches at any (specific) time,” Pierce said. “When it’s time to make a switch, we’ll make a switch.”

Pierce praised O’Connell for his growth as a second-year player, highlighting his maturity and leadership.

“(He’s) out of that shell, not looking like a rookie no more. Not acting like a rookie no more. He has a certain presence about himself,” Pierce said. “Really, what I respect the most is when we named Gardner the starter, he said, ‘All right, I’m going to be the best scout team quarterback possible.’ And he was lighting our (defense) up.”

Steelers Sticking with Fields Despite Wilson’s Return

The Steelers (3-2) are likewise managing some quarterback vulnerability, however not in that frame of mind of a switch. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who presently can’t seem to play this season because of a calf injury, got back to rehearse this week, taking reiterations with the subsequent team. Nonetheless, Steelers lead trainer Mike Tomlin has clarified that the team will stay with Justin Fields, who has played well in his most memorable season in Pittsburgh.

“Until [Wilson] gets to a point where we’re comfortable with what we’re looking at, we’re going to continue to push forward with Justin,” Tomlin said.

Fields has been impressive, posting a career-best 97.1 passer rating through five games. He has thrown for 961 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception while adding 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Key Players to Watch

In addition to the quarterback storyline, both teams feature standout players at various positions.

For the Raiders, rookie tight end Brock Bowers has emerged as a key weapon. Bowers scored his first career touchdown last week against Denver and leads the team with 313 receiving yards. With Adams sidelined, Bowers will likely be a central figure in the passing attack once again.

The Raiders will also hope to jump-start their struggling run game. Zamir White leads the team with just 152 rushing yards, while Alexander Mattison has added 125. If O’Connell can provide stability at quarterback, it may help open up the ground game and create a more balanced offense.

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On edge side, the two teams gloat first class pass rushers who can change the game in a moment. For Pittsburgh, T.J. Watt has 4.5 sacks through five games subsequent to recording 19 sacks last season. Watt as of late outperformed 100 profession sacks, solidifying his status as one of the most perilous edge rushers in the association.

The Raiders’ Maxx Crosby is likewise an awe-inspiring phenomenon on guard. Crosby has five sacks through four games this season subsequent to posting 14.5 sacks in 2023. His capacity to pressure the quarterback will be vital assuming that Las Vegas desires to dial back the Steelers’ offense.

Steelers’ Offensive Overview

While Fields has been effective at quarterback, Pittsburgh’s running game has struggled to find consistency. Najee Harris leads the team with 270 rushing yards but has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. In the passing game, George Pickens has emerged as Fields’ top target, hauling in 23 catches for 310 yards so far this season.

The Steelers’ offense will look to capitalize on a Raiders defense that has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary. However, with Crosby applying pressure, Pittsburgh’s offensive line will need to step up to protect Fields and give him time to find his receivers downfield.

What’s at Stake

The two teams enter Sunday’s matchup with a lot on the line. For the Raiders, a success would keep them in the main part of the AFC West race, while a misfortune could additionally endanger their season finisher trusts. O’Connell’s presentation will be basic in deciding if Las Vegas can turn its season around.

For the Steelers, a success would harden their place close to the highest point of the AFC North standings. Fields has been consistent in his most memorable year with the team, yet Pittsburgh needs to see additional consistency from its offense assuming they desire to rival the best teams in the conference.

With the two teams hoping to pick up speed, Sunday’s down vows to be a hard-taken on conflict between two AFC teams with a lot to demonstrate.