On Sunday afternoon, the Houston Texans will host the Oakland Raiders at NRG Stadium. There are important matchups to consider when trying to determine a winner, but the running backs likely hold the keys to victory. At the tight end position, though, is an emerging star in Darren Waller. And he must have a great game in order for the Raiders to leave Houston with a victory.
Oakland Raiders: Darren Waller Holds the Key to Victory Against the Houston Texans
Time of Possession Will Be Key
If the Raiders expect to leave Houston with a win, then they’re going to have to play their style of football; smash mouth and dominating time of possession. With Josh Jacobs’ status being in question for Sunday’s game, the Raiders will need to rely on the hands and consistency of Waller to keep the offense on the field. Waller is having a career year as a starter, currently ranking second in both receptions (44) and receiving yards (485) among all active tight ends.
Despite the blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, Waller finished the game with seven receptions and two touchdowns. Getting Waller involved early and often will be key if the Raiders look to keep the Texan’s offense off the field.
The Other Key Matchup
Tyrell Williams vs. Gareon Conley
Gareon Conley was traded just days ago to the Texans for a 2020 third round draft pick. The former first-round pick of the Raiders had been in the midst of a down year and it was clearly time for both sides to part ways and get a fresh start. To put it into perspective, Conley has allowed 21 receptions this season for 389 yards and one touchdown, allowing a passer rating of 139.7. It’s only just that his first game on a new team would be against the team that originally drafted him.
Tyrell Williams has missed the last few games due to plantar fasciitis and finally looks ready to go again this week. Williams has scored a touchdown in every game he’s played this season and should have no trouble abusing the reeling Conley, fresh off an injury or not.
Trent Brown vs. J.J. Watt
Trent Brown currently ranks number one in pass blocking among all active offensive tackles, according to ESPN analytics, and the Raiders’ offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack in two straight games. Keep in mind that both of those games were against the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. Brown also currently has a pass blocking win rate of 95 percent, so the investment the Raiders made in him, during the off-season, has been well worth it.
Although J.J. Watt isn’t the dominant player he once was, likely due to the plethora of injuries he’s sustained throughout his career, he still leads the league in quarterback hits (20). His impact isn’t necessarily showing up in the stat lines, but he’s still the force that drives their defense. Look for Watt to move all along the defensive line in an attempt to somehow get to Derek Carr.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders is a huge game for both groups. Both teams currently sit at second place in their respective divisions and both teams have aspirations of a playoff appearance this season. Both teams also suffered heartbreaking losses last week and are looking to bounce back in a big way. This game won’t be the deciding factor for either team this season, but it could go a long way in determining seeding for the playoffs. It’s a statement game for both teams and the atmosphere is bound to be intense this Sunday in Houston.
