Raiders tight end Michael Mayer struggled with injuries and needed to learn how to block in the NFL as a rookie. He’s put all that behind him this offseason.
Football
Raiders second-year running back Zamir White should get more of a look the team’s final three games, even if starter Josh Jacobs is healthy.
Five underdogs pulled off outright upsets, and four previously 1-5 teams prevailed, including the Patriots, who stunned the Bills as 7½-point underdogs.
The Raiders’ latest loss — against an undrafted rookie quarterback and a struggling team — was Indianapolis of last season bad. New Orleans of last season bad. Gross!
Coming off a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Raiders need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Sunday Night Football” to avoid more early-season slippage.
As compensation continues to plummet for what once was one of the league’s best-compensated positions, the union and league need to figure out a solution.
Putting the franchise tag on Josh Jacobs could allow the Raiders another year to see if his production dips and by how much at a position not known for longevity.
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels: “We all want our quarterback to remain healthy as long as we can, so the goal is obviously the right goal. … It’s a fine line.”
San Francisco’s odds to win the Super Bowl dropped from 25-1 at Caesars Sportsbook to 19-1 after Jimmy Garoppolo replaced Trey Lance.
Jermaine Eluemunor, who has underachieved along the offensive line during a six-year NFL career, is battling to start at right tackle for the Raiders.
College teammates Derek Carr and Davante Adams have been reunited with the Raiders and will be the centerpiece of an offense that could be among the NFL’s best.
The Chargers beefed up during free agency. As did the Broncos and Raiders, prompting Adams to call the AFC West, home of the perennially tough Chiefs, “the best division in football.”
Foster Moreau was a fourth-round draft pick of the Raiders out of Louisiana State in 2019 and has developed into more than a backup to Darren Waller.
Bettors have loaded up on Ohio State QB Justin Fields to go over 3½, which has soared to -270 after the under opened at -200. He is one of 11 quarterbacks listed.
Las Vegas is now 6-4 a season removed from being, well, 6-4 after 10 games.