Two iconic AFC franchises will meet on Saturday night as the Las Vegas Raiders travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Both teams are clinging to playoff aspirations with identical 6-8 records. This game has taken on more emotional importance with this year being the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception when Franco Harris caught a broken up pass before it hit the ground and raced for a game-winning touchdown with no time left in 1972. Adding a somber note to this, the Hall-of-Famer Harris passed away this week. The opening kick for this emotional, classic battle is set for 8:15pm EST.
The NFL, College Football, College Basketball, the NHL, and the NBA…oh my! Check out all my premium picks for a variety of premium events. My Best Bet of the week is available for only $49.99 (normally $100) if you use this link. Don't miss out as this comes with a profit guarantee. W in or get the money back in credit!
The Las Vegas Raiders were minutes away from seeing their playoff chances dashed last Sunday at home against New England. After building a 17-3 halftime lead, the Raiders followed a far too familiar pattern this season of coughing up big leads. The Patriots would go on to score the next 24 points and were two minutes away from finishing off the Raiders. Derek Carr wasn't ready to take another loss, however. Carr completed a critical 4th and 10 from his own 19-yard line before throwing a touchdown pass to Keelan Cole with 32 seconds left to tie the game. Carr would finish the game 20-of-38 for 231 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. It was the final play of regulation, however, that will be remembered for years to come. The Patriots ran a draw play before inexplicably tossing the ball back once and then trying to toss the ball back to quarterback Mac Jones. Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones picked the ball out of the air and raced 48 yards to the game-winning touchdown.
“I don’t know Chandler's 40 time, but when you stiff-arm, (the player) goes down,” Raiders quarterback Derek Carr said. “He made it to the end zone. It's an unbelievable play.”
Back To Back… Wouldn't Be Possible Without My Teammates, Coaches, Fans, And Support Circle. Got Work To Do… #1 ???? pic.twitter.com/BrSWZNFmb3
— ??MaddMaxx?? (@CrosbyMaxx) December 22, 2022
The Raiders, with their improbable win, are still alive the AFC playoff race. They will need some help but they can keep their hopes alive with a win over long-time rival Pittsburgh this week. Offensively, the Raiders have the 13th best rushing attack led by Josh Jacobs. They also have the 13th best passing attack in the league and have gotten some much needed support back for #1 receiver Davante Adams. TE Darren Waller returned with a touchdown against New England slot receiver Hunter Renfrow also returned from injury. Defensively, Las Vegas has struggled against the pass, ranked just 26th in the NFL. Another area of concern for the Raiders is the red zone. Offensively, the Raiders are just 28th in red zone efficiency while on defense, they are 26th.
Key Injuries: The Raiders had several players that were limited this week with the most pressing area of concern being the secondary as S Duron Harmon (neck) and CB Rock Ya-Sin (knee) are both s till questionable.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $50 1st w/ promocode WandW!