{"id":48748,"date":"2018-09-07T17:17:20","date_gmt":"2018-09-07T21:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=48748"},"modified":"2018-09-07T17:17:20","modified_gmt":"2018-09-07T21:17:20","slug":"los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/09\/07\/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-players\/","title":{"rendered":"Los Angeles Rams-Oakland Raiders Players to Watch"},"content":{"rendered":"

It certainly didn\u2019t take long for Jon Gruden<\/strong> to get back to ESPN, but now he\u2019s working in a different capacity. The newly crowned head coach of the Oakland Raiders<\/a> will look to defend his team\u2019s home field as they host the Los Angeles Rams<\/a> inside the Oakland Coliseum on Monday Night Football. The game starts at 7:20 p.m. PT and will be the second game of a doubleheader as the first MNF of the season.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams-Oakland Raiders Players to Watch\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Aaron Donald<\/a><\/h2>\n

After receiving his $135 million payday, Aaron Donald<\/a><\/strong> will surely be looking to make an impact right out of the gate. He was certainly one of the best defensive players in 2017, recording 11 sacks and five forced fumbles in just 14 games played. The Raiders do have one of the better offensive lines in football, but if Donald can overpower his match-up, Derek Carr<\/a><\/strong> is in for one long night.<\/p>\n

Amari Cooper<\/a><\/h2>\n

If the Raiders are looking to win this game, they must get Amari Cooper<\/a><\/strong> the ball early and often. Following back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons, Cooper had just 680 yards last season. He became a non-factor last season and the Raiders did not have much success. The Raiders are 8-3 when he has over 100 yards receiving, so it\u2019s in the Raiders best interests for him to have a great game this Monday.<\/p>\n

Derek Carr<\/a><\/h2>\n

Following his disappointing 2017 season, Derek Carr will be looking to bounce back against one of the best secondaries in football. Carr is a gunslinger and when he\u00a0is able to\u00a0do that effectively, his team wins. Oakland has a 10-4 record when he passes for over 300 yards, and are undefeated when his passer rating eclipses 100. His performance will determine who wins this game.<\/p>\n

Game Time<\/h2>\n

The biggest key to victory for the Raiders, outside of quarterback play, will be their defense. Last year, the Raiders\u2019 defense was not very good. They allowed nearly 19 points per game and didn\u2019t grab an interception until Week 11, which is now an NFL record for longest INT drought. If the Raiders are able to put pressure on Jared Goff<\/a><\/strong> and force him into making some bad passes, I can see them winning. The turnover battle is key. If the Raiders can\u2019t get one or two takeaways, they\u2019re going to have a tough time winning, even at home.<\/p>\n

As for the Rams, they must take advantage of the mediocre Raiders defense and get their firepower going early and often. After being an MVP candidate last season, Todd Gurley<\/a><\/strong> is primed and ready to run all over this Oakland defense. Speedy receiver Brandin Cooks<\/a><\/strong> is also sure to give the Raiders secondary some troubles. If the Rams can march down the field and put the Raiders in a hole early, they\u2019re going to have a rough night.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/h2>\n

I believe this will be a relatively high-scoring affair. The Raiders will get an extra boost from their home crowd on opening night and are sure to light up the scoreboard, especially with Jordy Nelson<\/a><\/strong> as Carr\u2019s newest weapon. As for the Rams, we know what they can do. Goff can sling the ball and Gurley can certainly run it. At the end of the day, I\u2019m just not sure if the Raiders will be able to suppress the Ram\u2019s offense or keep the ball away from their vicious defense. I see the Rams taking the victory in a close affair, 27-20.<\/p>\n

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