Las Vegas Raiders vs. New York Giants NFL Week 9 prediction: Will winning streak hit 3?
.JPG "Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Las Vegas.")
It has been a difficult week for the Las Vegas Raiders after finding out now-former wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was involved in a deadly fiery crash on Tuesday.
Authorities said Ruggs III allegedly was speeding at 156 MPH just before crashing into the back of Tina Tintor’s vehicle. The impact caused Tintor’s Toyota to catch fire, killing her and her dog. Ruggs was charged with DUI and reckless driving resulting in a death.
The Raiders then returned to practice Wednesday ahead of their Sunday matchup at the New York Giants.
“From a football aspect, we’re ready to go,” Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia said. “We had a great practice. We’re dealing with a lot of things this year, that’s for sure. A lot of guys, just what a crazy year. I heard that a couple of times. I heard, ‘Goodness, man, can we please. Nothing else.’ Not for our own sake, but for the sake of everyone else, for everyone involved. But from a football aspect, from a competitive aspect, we’re ready to play football.”
The Raiders were already dealing with the Jon Gruden resignation early last month amid an email scandal, but the team has reeled off two wins after that.
How will Las Vegas respond this time? Can the Raiders make it three in a row?
Zay Jones is expected to see more playing time with the removal of Ruggs from the roster. The Raiders also elevated rookie wide receiver Dillon Stoner to the 53-man roster.
The Raiders’ wide receivers now include Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards, Jones and Stoner — relatively young, but the Raiders also have capable pass-catchers in tight ends Darren Waller and Foster Moreau and running back Kenyan Drake. Waller and Drake also are capable of splitting out wide.
The Raiders face a Giants team that almost knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 20-17.
Some key players will be missing for New York, including running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants are still dangerous, and the Raiders defense will need to keep putting pressure on the quarterback — in this case Daniel Jones — and disrupt any rhythm.
The Raiders are coming off wins over the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles. Both games were decided early.
The Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 25-3 at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 24.
The matchup and the pick
Kickoff: 10 a.m. PST at MetLife Stadium
Fresno TV/radio: KGPE 47/KFIG (AM 1430)
Records: Raiders 5-2; Giants 2-6
Line: Raiders favored by 3
Anthony Galaviz’s prediction: Raiders 27, Giants 24
Analysis: The Raiders’ first East Coast trip earlier this season went well with a 26-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Las Vegas also has a big showdown looming next week when it hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Can you say trap game? ... Since 2001, the Raiders are 1-2 against the Giants in East Rutherford. The last win there came in 2001 when the Raiders won 28-10. ... This will be Derek Carr’s first time playing the Giants in New Jersey. ... Despite the Giants’ struggles, this not a gimme. It will be a close game.
