The Las Vegas Raiders may rely on the pass game less in this game (and hand the ball off more) since they be forced to utilize backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.
An extreme throwing game script is suggested by the Raiders being a massive -7-point underdog this week.
This game will be played in a dome—which means no wind, increased pass volume, increased touchdown potential, and increased passing effectiveness.
Opposing offenses have averaged 40.0 pass attempts per game against the Lions defense this year: 4th-most in the league.
Jimmy Garoppolo has been one of the most efficient passers in the NFL this year, averaging an impressive 7.69 adjusted yards-per-target while ranking in the 88th percentile.
Cons
Given their underlying tendencies and game dynamics, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected by the projection model to call only 60.7 total plays in this game: the fewest among all teams this week.
The Raiders have run the fewest plays in football this year, totaling a mere 54.4 plays per game.
The predictive model expects Jimmy Garoppolo to throw 36.8 passes in this contest, on balance: the 8th-most among all quarterbacks.
The Lions defense has performed very well when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, surrendering an average of 4.25 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 2nd-fewest in the league.