The Raiders will try to break a four-game losing streak on Sunday against a Bengals team that is equally desperate for a win.
Cincinnati will try to turn its season around after a disappointing 3-5 start. The Raiders (2-6) will have to limit turnovers and penalties and unlock their offense to have a shot at winning their first game since September.
Given the teams’ poor records, it’s no surprise the game will be broadcast in a limited area. According to this week’s broadcast map from 506sports.com, the game will be shown in Las Vegas, Cincinnati, and neighboring regions, marked in yellow on the map.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is intent on running the football despite a horrendous showing so far this season, and he’ll have a new starter at center. Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson will move from guard and take the place of injured starter Andre James. That could work well for Las Vegas, as Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Award as the nation’s top center at Oregon last year.
The defense will have to pressure Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow more than they pressured Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes last week. Mahomes was only hit a few times and sacked just once.
Perhaps most importantly, Pierce has to show improvement in his game management. If he’s to remain Raiders coach long term, he must consistently improve in that area, especially because his team isn’t as talented as planned with injuries on defense and the trade of Davante Adams. Pierce can’t add to the Raiders issues when they already have plenty.
The game will kick off at 10 a.m. Pacific time on FOX.
