Raiders winners and losers in 25-10 victory vs. Saints

Las Vegas had its best performance of the season and has won two straight. Who were the winners and losers in this one?

After saying goodbye to a 10-game losing streak last week, the Raiders are suddenly winners of two straight games after their 25-10 victory against the Saints (5-11) on Sunday.

The Raiders offense set the tone for the game on their first drive, a 17-play march that ended with a field goal. They dominated time of possession from that point on, thanks to a vibrant running game and quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who found his playmakers often. Tight end Brock Bowers led the way, topping the team in receiving and breaking multiple records.

The Las Vegas defense also thrived, only allowing one touchdown on a trick play in the first half. Here are the winners and losers for the week after the Raiders (4-12) improved their win total but damaged their position in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Winner: TE Brock Bowers

Bowers caught all seven of his targets for 77 yards and broke several records. He’s now the record holder for receiving yards for a rookie tight end, passing the legendary Mike Ditka. That record had stood for 63 years (and was set in a 14-game season).

Bowers also broke the rookie receptions record, set last year by Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. Furthermore, Bowers broke the Raiders franchise record for receptions by any player, passing tight end Darren Waller.

Bowers will look to add to his record totals next week. He’s truly breaking the mold and creating a legacy of his own for others to follow.

Winner: RB Ameer Abdullah

Running back Ameer Abdullah had his best day as a professional, 10 seasons into his career. He passed 100 yards rushing in a game for the first time, finishing with 120 yards on 20 carries. He added three catches for 32 yards.

Abdullah had multiple long runs for first downs, including a conversion on 3rd-and-8 on the Raiders’ first drive. He left the game with a foot injury but had already done more than enough damage to the Saints defense.

Winner: QB Aidan O’Connell

O’Connell controlled his offense effectively all afternoon, finishing with a 97.6 QB rating. He had 242 yards on 20-for-35 passing, including two touchdown tosses. He continued to show improved mobility in the pocket, including a wild throw to Bowers that broke Ditka’s record.

It’s no secret that the Raiders will look to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason, but O’Connell continues to show he’s a viable option moving forward. That’s especially true if the Raiders draft a quarterback and need a steady hand to guide the offense until the prospect is ready to go. O’Connell’s touchdown throw to wide receiver Tre Tucker was eye-opening and showed growth in his game.

Winner: Offensive line

The Raiders run game has been beyond awful this season. But an infusion of talent at running back, thanks to Abdullah, has helped the offensive line find its grove and set the table for the offense as coach Antonio Pierce had planned for.

Las Vegas totaled 155 rushing yards and O’Connell was sacked just once. Considering there are two rookies on the starting line, this group could be even more improved next year.

Winner: WRs Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker

It hasn’t been easy for the Raiders to get the ball to their wideouts this season. But two had touchdown receptions against the Saints. First, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers converted a short-yardage score on 1st-and-goal. The play gave the Raiders a 13-7 lead and completed a 95-yard drive.

Tucker’s touchdown was the icing on the cake, providing the final 25-10 score.

Winner: LB Robert Spillane

The Raiders defense had plenty of fun as well, sacking Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler four times and holding New Orleans to just one third-down conversion.

Linebacker Robert Spillane had a rough start, slipping to the ground on a long reception by the Saints, but he recovered quickly, registering a tackle for loss later in the same drive.

His play got better as the game continued. He had a phenomenal pass breakup in the third quarter and then finished the Saints’ drive with a QB sack a few plays later. He lead the team in tackles, finishing with eight stops (four solo).

Winner: CB Jack Jones

Cornerback Jack Jones had a career-high in passes defensed (three) and had an alert interception in the fourth quarter. He located the ball after a Saints receiver tipped it into the air, barely securing the football as he fell to the turf. The Raiders offense capitalized with Tucker’s touchdown catch on the ensuing drive.

Winner: HC Antonio Pierce

Pierce is still likely coaching for his job next season. His team won a road game with a 10 a.m. PST start and overcame plane issues that disrupted their routine. That’s not easy to do. Despite having nothing to play for in the standings, Pierce again led a motivated bunch of players.

Loser: Raiders NFL Draft position 

The only loser this week is the Raiders position in the upcoming NFL Draft. After flirting with the No. 1 spot following their 10-game losing streak, two straight wins now over the Jaguars and Saints has them currently slotted to pick eighth.

But hey, the Raiders could always lose next week. And who knows, maybe Las Vegas will get lucky with a lower pick two times in a row after selecting Bowers at No. 13 overall nearly a year ago.