The Las Vegas Raiders boast a new play-caller this year in head coach Josh McDaniels, and THE BLITZ projects their pass/run mix to tilt 3.1% more towards rushing than it did last year (adjusted for context).
THE BLITZ projects Josh Jacobs to notch 20.1 carries in this game, on average, placing him in the 97th percentile among running backs.
Josh Jacobs has been a much bigger part of his offense’s running game this season (86.3% Carry Share in games he has been on the field) than he was last season (67.7%).
The Las Vegas Raiders offensive line profiles as the best in football this year at blocking for the run game.
Josh Jacobs has run for many more yards per game (108.0) this season than he did last season (56.0).
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Raiders to call the 7th-least total plays among all teams this week with 63.2 plays, given their underlying tendencies and game dynamics.
This game will be played in a dome—which means no wind, increased pass volume, increased TD potential, and increased passing efficiency.
Opposing teams have rushed for the 8th-least yards in the NFL (just 108 per game) vs. the New England Patriots defense this year.
The New England Patriots safeties profile as the 5th-best group of safeties in the league this year in regard to defending the run.
The New England Patriots have stacked the box vs. opponents on 19.9% of their plays since the start of last season, 7th-most in the league. Keeping an extra defender close to the line of scrimmage improves run-stopping at the expense of better passing efficiency.