On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders will face off against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome, marking the culmination of two disappointing seasons for both teams. With the kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET, this Week 17 matchup is not just another game, but the Saints' final opportunity to salvage some pride, especially playing at home.
Entering this contest, the Raiders (3-12) are slight favorites, buoyed by their recent 19-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which snapped their dreadful ten-game losing streak. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who had 257 yards passing with no turnovers against Jacksonville, is trying to build momentum going forward. The Raiders are favored by two points, indicating their slight edge against the struggling Saints.
Unfortunately for New Orleans (5-10), their current situation reflects the struggles within their squad. Last week, they faced the humiliation of being shut out 34-0 by the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Spencer Rattler's performance has raised concerns, as he managed just 153 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
The Saints' injury report is equally alarming, with standout players Derek Carr (hand), Alvin Kamara (groin), and Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out for the game. Interim coach Darren Rizzi has been trying to maintain the team's morale, but the overall sentiment is one of desperation as they prepare to host the Raiders.
Recent history suggests the Saints have fared well against the Raiders, evidenced by their 4-1 record over their last five meetings. One cannot ignore the significance of playing at home, as the Saints have achieved three of their five wins at the Superdome. They will certainly hope to deliver more than just momentum to their fan base, who are still passionate about their team.
Given both teams' struggles, many predict this game may not be high-scoring, with the total set at 37.5 points. This figure reflects the offensive inconsistencies both teams have faced throughout the season. Analysts are leaning toward the under on points, foreseeing difficulties for both offenses, but interestingly, Brock Bowers from the Raiders has often been highlighted as one of the few bright spots. Currently, Bowers finds himself tantalizingly close to breaking the record for the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end, needing just 10 yards this week.
Despite their lackluster records, fans and analysts alike have shared their predictions: one assessment points to the Saints narrowly squeezing by at 20-17, powered by Bowers' anticipated breakout performance. Multiple analysts forecasted close scorelines with some leaning slightly toward either team; for example, Jeremy Trottier suggested the Raiders would take it 27-21, whereas Luke Loffredo favored the Saints 17-13. Such close predictions underline the uncertainty surrounding both clubs.
Both teams now find themselves playing not just for pride but to gain some confidence heading forward, especially with offseason decisions looming. The uncertainty around the quarterbacks and the talent disparities present interesting dynamics to observe during the matchup. The spotlight, often on the stars of the game, may well shine brighter on the role players who will need to step up.
Enhancing the intrigue surrounding the game is the fact this will be the final game of the season for both teams; those involved know what’s on the line. Each player strives either for job security or the chance to demonstrate their capabilities for next year. Each possession could be pivotal, and the stakes feel personal.
Despite the odds favoring Las Vegas, expect the fans of the Saints to create an electrifying atmosphere as they rally under their banners for one last shot at victory. Whether the Raiders can capitalize on their recent victory and continue building off it remains to be seen, as they prepare to bolster their first multi-win streak of the season.
Players to watch on the Raiders roster are, of course, Aidan O'Connell and the promising Brock Bowers, alongside veteran Jakobi Meyers, who can provide some depth to the receiving options. Meanwhile, the Saints will look to primarily run their plays through Juwan Johnson, who is another key offensive player remaining healthy and ready to contribute.
The Raiders have endured their share of tumult and, interestingly, might end this game with the season-ending victory they needed to lay the foundation for the future. For the Saints, getting this last win, regardless of the bigger picture, could help restore some belief and embolden the locker room. Regardless of the season records, when both teams clash at the Superdome, fans can expect nothing less than grit and passion.
Overall, this duel may be just what either side needs: closure on the year and hints of what could emerge even amid adversity going forward. The storylines abound and beneath the wind playing through the Superdome, anticipation for this matchup continues to build.