Week 8 has the Jets heading to the West Coast to take on the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are a young team that is “on the come” lead by second year QB Derek Carr and rookie sensation WR Amari Cooper, the Raiders are off to their best start in years. The Jets are coming off a loss to the division rival Patriots, a game in which they had a lead but couldn’t hold on late.
Looking at the QB matchup in this game Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose play has been a welcomed surprise to the Jets this season will need to keep it up for the Jets to win this week. The aforementioned duo of Carr and Cooper has been a great combo for the Raiders. Add in Latavius Murray on the ground and a defense lead by Khalil Mack and Charles Woodson and the Raiders find themselves at 3-3 in the hunt for a potential Wild Card spot this season for the first time in a long, long time.
The Jets injury report for this week has some big names on it. None bigger than All Pro center Nick Mangold being doubtful. Mangold is the force that makes the Jets O-Line go. If he is out, it will be a big loss for the Jets. Calvin Pryor is also out this week leaving the Jets with just two active Safeties in this game. On the bright side, Jets will have Stevan Ridley active for the first time. With Ivory battling what looked to be a hamstring last week, Ridley being able to play could not have come at a better time for the Jets. Look for Ridley to be on a snap count early on but make no mistake about it, the Jets will be looking for him to have a major impact for the rest of the season. If healthy, he provides the Jets with a terrific one two punch coupled with Ivory.
The formula for the Jets to win this game is no different from what it has been all season to date. The Defense, although ranked one of the best in the league, had a rough day last Sunday against the Patriots. Look for the unit to get back on track with a big performance against the Raiders. On the ground, despite the possibility of missing Mangold, the Jets offense will need to run the ball to set up Fitzpatrick for the play action pass. Brandon Marshall, after his long walk home from New England, will no doubt be a target looked for often.
Predictions for the game: The Jets are favored by 2. I see them winning this game 20-17 holding off Carr on the last drive of the game. Fitzpatrick will throw for over 200 yards with a TD. Ivory will have 100 yards and a TD. Ridley will have 8-10 touches and look solid. Brandon Marshall will get back to the 100 Yard mark and Eric Decker will have a TD.
BOLD PREDICTION: Jets will force 2 turnovers and sack Carr 3 times. Write this down.. Jets TE Jeff Cumberland, seldom used this season, will contribute with 3-5 catches for 50 yards.