Maxx Crosby Holds the Key to Victory in Week Twelve

Defensive Line Play Will Be Key

The Jets notoriously have one of the worst offensive lines in football, similar to the Cincinnati Bengals last week. Just as he did in his previous game, Mad Maxx is going to have the opportunity to get after the quarterback, Sam Darnold, and further cement his status as a draft-day steal. After having 2.5 sacks through 10 games, Crosby had four last week.

Darnold has already been sacked 22 times this year, so there’s no reason as to why Crosby shouldn’t continue this current hot streak that he’s on. If Crosby can have even half the game he had against the Bengals, then the Raiders should be sitting pretty by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. But that isn’t the only matchup worth watching Sunday.

The Other Key Matchup: Josh Jacobs vs. Jamal Adams

Coming off yet another 100-yard performance versus the Bengals, Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate Josh Jacobs will look to continue his impressive rookie year against the defense that’s number one against the run. The Jets success against the run is largely due to Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams. Adams had three sacks last week against the Washington Redskins and two the week before against the New York Giants.

While those are stats related to rushing the passer, it’s also proof that Adams typically spends most of his time in the box and close to the line of scrimmage. Adams has never been one to shy away from physical contact, so Jacobs will need to be on his A-game and look to avoid the big blows from the hard-hitting safety.

Final Thoughts on Raiders-Jets

Another week, another trap game for the Raiders. The Jets have won two in a row now and aren’t an opponent that should be taken lightly. As stated previously, their defense is formidable against the run and the Raiders aren’t exactly a team that will beat you deep consistently. The road-graders on the offensive line, Jacobs, and Jon Gruden will need to be ready for a physical, smashmouth battle and a potentially low-scoring game.

Oakland is going to need major contributions from all three phases of the game to walk out of New York will a win and feeling good about themselves. The Raiders control their destiny, currently holding the second wild-card spot after the loss by the Indianapolis Colts to the Houston Texans on Thursday. It’s make-or-break time for the Raiders if they are going to reach the postseason again after missing out since losing in the Wild Card round back in 2016.