The Las Vegas Raiders are set to host the Dallas Cowboys during Week 11’s “Monday Night Football.” The Cowboys are eager to capitalize on their trade deadline acquisitions to reinvigorate a season that has been less than stellar. In contrast, the Raiders are in damage control mode, facing a challenging season fraught with difficulties.
The Raiders recently endured a disheartening loss against division rival Denver Broncos in Week 10, marking their third consecutive defeat. With only one victory since their season opener against the struggling Titans, Las Vegas appears to be focusing more on draft positions than playoff aspirations as the season unfolds.
On the other hand, the Cowboys return from a bye week after experiencing two consecutive losses for the first time this season. Determined to reenter the playoff conversation, they’ve made bold moves at the trade deadline. However, a strong performance on Monday night will be crucial if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
So, which team will succeed in bouncing back from their recent setbacks? Before delving into a detailed analysis of this matchup, let’s discuss how you can catch the game’s action live.
Viewing Information for Cowboys vs. Raiders
- Date: Monday, Nov. 17 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas
- TV Coverage: ESPN/ABC
- Streaming: Fubo (Free Trial Available)
- Betting Odds: Cowboys -3.5, O/U 49.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
Offensive Dynamics: When the Cowboys Take the Field
Having enjoyed a week off, the Cowboys will look to bounce back from their sluggish offensive performances against the Broncos and Cardinals prior to their bye week. Despite recent struggles, Dallas boasted one of the league’s most potent offenses earlier this season and may find opportunities against a Raiders defense that ranks 24th in opponent success rate against both pass and run, according to TruMedia.
A fully healthy offensive line will be pivotal for Dallas as they seek to maximize offensive efficiency. Several key players, including right guard Tyler Booker and center Cooper Beebe, missed substantial time earlier in the season but are back in action. This newfound depth and cohesion could provide an essential advantage for the Cowboys against the Raiders’ defense.
The Raiders have revamped their secondary but have yet to see those changes pay dividends. With Dallas’ star receiver CeeDee Lamb likely operating extensively from the slot, where the Raiders struggle defensively, the Cowboys might exploit mismatches effectively.
The significant challenge for the Raiders comes in generating consistent pressure on QB Dak Prescott. While standout player Maxx Crosby shines in the pressure department, the Raiders’ overall pressure rate remains below average, making it difficult to consistently disrupt Prescott. Without effective pressure, forcing challenges against Prescott could prove daunting.
Raiders’ Offensive Strategy Against the Cowboys’ Defense
The Raiders faced a significant challenge in their last game against the Broncos, with offensive production slowing to a crawl amid constant pressure. Quarterback Geno Smith struggled significantly, and running back Ashton Jeanty found little room to maneuver. Completing just 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards and an interception, the offensive line showed vulnerability with six sacks allowed.
This current matchup against the Cowboys offers a potential opportunity, as Dallas has been among the weaker defenses in the league. Ranking 31st against the run and 28th against the pass lends hope for the Raiders. However, reinforcements for Dallas, including additions like Quinnen Williams, aim to bolster their defense.
Moving forward, the Raiders must leverage their star tight end, Brock Bowers, more effectively. Bowers had a quiet outing last week despite showcasing elite potential with 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns just before. Getting him involved early and often could help jumpstart the Raiders’ passing game, especially in the absence of several other receiving threats.
Game Prediction and Expectations
While the Raiders have home-field advantage, their defensive disadvantages could severely hinder their ability to contain the Cowboys’ offense. Conversely, despite their struggles this season, Dallas has made critical adjustments that might keep them competitive against an underwhelming Raiders offense. All signs point toward a challenging outing for Las Vegas, which leads to the final prediction.
Final Prediction: Cowboys 30, Raiders 20
