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The Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders will kick off their 2021 NFL preseason schedules on Aug. 14. This represents the first preseason home game in Vegas. It will also be the Raiders’ initial game with fans in attendance. Below, we preview this preseason opener for each team.
Raiders vs Seahawks: What you need to know
- The Raiders host Seattle at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Aug. 14. at 9:00 PM EST.
- Sportsnaut forecasts the Las Vegas Raiders will beat the Seattle Seahawks, 27-24.
- Odds: The Raiders are 1.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 37.5.
Raiders young wide receivers vs youthful Seahawks secondary
Despite adding veterans such as Willie Snead and John Brown to the mix this past offfseason, Las Vegas will be relying on two youngsters to step up. That comes in the form of 2020 first-round pick Henry Ruggs and fellow classmate, Bryan Edwards.
As for Seattle, it lost defensive backs Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar in free agency. Can the team’s revamped and young secondary hold it together for an otherwise questionable defense?
- Relying on the youngsters in Sin City: It’s a bet the Raiders are willing to make. Ruggs and Edwards stepping up as sophomores. The two combined for just 37 receptions as rookies. This is not going to be acceptable for a Raiders team that’s attempting to rebound after yet another pedestrian season.
- The Legion of Boom no longer: Tre Flowers will now be tasked with stepping in as the Seahawks’ No. 1 corner. He’s joined by offseason additions Ahkello Witherspoon and Pierre Desir at cornerback in Seattle. Without much of a pass rush to speak of, these three are going to have to hold their own. That starts Saturday against a deep group of Raiders receivers.
Russell Wilson and Co. against new-look Raiders defense
We’re not exactly sure how much Russell Wilson is going to play in the opener. He could see action for one or two possessions. However, it’s all about the Seahawks’ No. 2 quarterback job here. Can Geno Smith hold it down against Alex McGough and Sean Mannion?
As for the Raiders, they added a whopping four former Pro Bowlers to a defense that yielded nearly 30 points per game last season. While this fourseome should play major roles once Week 1 comes calling, it’s going to be all about the youngsters Saturday evening in Sin City.
Click here to find out the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl odds
- Seahawks’ backup quarterback situation: A lot was made this past offseason about the lack of pass protection in front of Wilson. While he’s been durable, a lackluster offensive line always brings concerns when it comes to a potential serious injury. The three quarterbacks mentioned above should see extensive action against Las Vegas.
- Raiders need youngsters to step up: Cornerback Damon Arnette has fallen out of favor after the Raiders made him a first-round pick. Clearly on the roster bubble, he’s going to need a big preseason. Nickel back Amik Robertson has the tools, but needs to gain experience. Meanwhile, we’re high on rookie safety Trevon Moehrig. How will he look in his initial professional action?
Raiders vs Seahawks: The trenches
Vegas added Pro Bowl edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue to the mix in free agency. It still needs former top-four pick Clelin Ferrell to show out. The Clemson product should see a ton of preseason action with his spot in the rotation now on the line.
As for Seattle, we touched on the team’s offensive line issues above. Regardless of who is under center Saturday evening, it’s vital that Pete Carroll and Co. acquire a better understanding of their depth.
Where do the Raiders and Seahawks rank on defense?
- New-look Raiders defensive line: In addition to Ngakoue, the Raiders added veterans Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson and Gerald McCoy to the mix. In particular, we’re openly wondering if Thomas has a future in Sin City. The former top-three pick needs to carve out a role during the preseason.
- Depth concerns in Seattle: The Seahawks’ top four backup offensive linemen have started a combined eight games throughout their careers. That’s especially concerning given three three-fifths of the team’s starting offensive line remain uncertain with unproven players.
Bottom line: This Raiders vs Seahawks matchup should be a whole heck of a lot of fun. A packed house right off the Vegas strip on a Saturday night. On the field, we’re expecting the Raiders to come out on top. Simply put, they have much more to look at when it comes to forming a final roster.