With all the injuries, it can be tough to keep up with who is playing and who is not. But let’s try. Here are some key matchups that figure to play a role in who comes out victorious in this week’s tilt between the Raiders and Browns.
Kolton Miller vs Myles Garrett
The biggest star taking the field in this game is lining up at edge rusher for the Browns. Garrett the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has averaged over 15 sacks per season the past three seasons and already has two this season.
Meanwhile Kolton Miller has looked probably the worst he’s ever looked in Luke Getsy’s new zone blocking scheme. He has already surrendered five sacks this season along with several run stuffs as well. This could get messy if the Raiders aren’t careful.
Jakorian Bennett vs Amari Cooper
Coop is coming off a career-best season in which he put up 1250 yards receiving while averaging 17.4 yards per catch. It earned him his first trip to the Pro Bowl since 2019. Bennett has played pretty well this season and this could be his toughest test yet.
Tyree Wilson vs Dawand Jones
It’s backup vs backup. Who will show they belong? Wilson will be asked to pick up the slack with Maxx Crosby not expected to play. And Jones will be stepping in for the injured Jack Conklin.
Jones started nine games last season and has started the first three this season as well. He has surrendered two sacks in the first three games after giving up three sacks last season. Wilson has 3.5 career sacks, all last season.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson has been terrible this season, but if he has time to throw or room to run around, he can carve up the Raiders. Wilson’s one job will be the keep that from happening.