The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Kyle Rudolph will score a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
John Schmeelk: Fact - The Raiders run more "Cover 3" than any other team in the league, a scheme that is susceptible to tight ends running down the seams in between the three deep players making up the back end of the defense. Rudolph could score outside the red zone on a play like that. It is more likely that he finds paydirt in the red zone, though the Giants might be more apt to run it in given the Raiders' struggles against the run this season. The Raiders are the second-worst red zone team in the league, allowing teams to score touchdowns on 83% of their trips inside the 20.
Dan Salomone: Fact – And he will give the ball to his new baby, Crosby James, who was born this week. Rudolph's score in Kansas City might just be the nudge that gets the ball rolling for the veteran tight end.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Opposing tight ends have had success finding the end zone against the Raiders this season as four players from that position have scored touchdowns in the last four games, including two for the Chargers. With that being said, Kyle Rudolph has only scored once this season and that took him eight games. He's also only been targeted 18 times overall or just over two times per contest. Sure, Rudolph could haul in another touchdown pass, but the percentages don't bode very well for him.
Matt Citak: Fact – You have to like Rudolph's chances of finding the end zone once again this week. The Giants could be without several offensive playmakers yet again, and when faced with that situation over the last few weeks, Daniel Jones has looked in the direction of the veteran tight end when the ball is near the end zone. Rudolph will get an opportunity or two to reel in a pass for a touchdown against a defense that has already allowed four scores to the position this season. With some of the surest hands in the league, the veteran is likely to capitalize on those chances.
Derek Carr is playing the best football of every quarterback the Giants have faced this season.
John Schmeelk: Fiction - Derek Carr has been great this year, but he's not playing better football than Dak Prescott or probably Matthew Stafford at the time they faced the Giants. It's close. Carr has been nearly as good as those two quarterbacks and he could be a MVP candidate )much like Stafford and Prescott), depending on how the Raiders close the season. Carr is accurate, patient and has started making as many big plays down the field as the other top quarterbacks in the league. No team has a higher percentage of their passes go for 15+ yards than the Raiders (18.5%). The Giants have a huge challenge to slow him down this week.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Carr has completed one fewer pass of 25+ yards than Tom Brady and Kyler Murray, who lead the league in that category. He has also played in one fewer game than them as he and the Raiders come off their bye week. Considering the mid-season coaching change, Carr is putting together a special season.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Carr is completing nearly 68 percent of his passes and thrown for 12 touchdowns against five interceptions. But Dak Prescott and Matt Stafford were also playing at a very high level entering their games against the Giants and Stafford was off to the best start of his career entering Week 6. Carr is very close to the top but given how Stafford performed that week and the weapons around him, you can give a slight edge to the Rams' quarterback.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Carr is undoubtedly playing some great football at the moment, as his 324.1 passing yards per game ranks second in the league while sporting a cool touchdown-to-interception ratio (12-to-5). But the best quarterback the Giants have faced this season is easily Matthew Stafford. Stafford is right behind Carr in passing yards (third, 309.6 per game). But the Rams QB ranks second in passing touchdowns (22) to go with just four interceptions and a 68.9 completion percentage. As good as Carr has been, Stafford finds himself firmly in the MVP conversation, and for good reason.
View rare photos of the history between the Giants and Raiders ahead of their Week 9 matchup.
JIm Otto (00) of the Oakland Raiders is pictured in action during Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Oakland, Ca., on Nov. 5, 1973. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) breaks a block during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) moves toward the play during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs upfield against the New York Giants in 1983. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Floyd Eddings (88) evades tacklers during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983. The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders Howie Long (75) wrestles with an opponent during the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders in Los Angeles, California on November 27, 1983.The Raiders won the game 27-12. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders' Jim Plunkett is dogged by New York Giants' George Martin, Sunday, Sept. 22, 1986 during NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Los Angeles Raider Jim Plunkett (16), the oldest quarterback in the NFL, gets popped from behind by New York Giants' Andy Headen, forcing an early turnover during first-half action at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 21, 1986. Also in on the play are Giants' Jerome Sally (78), and Raiders' Mickey Marvin. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) is dogged by New York Giants George Martin during their game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Sept. 22, 1986. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) raises his arms and calls an audible during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ottis "OJ" Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases Los Angeles Raiders running back Bo Jackson (34) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (7) chat following a 34-17 Giants victory on December 24, 1989, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Los Angeles Raiders' quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) is sacked for a nine yard loss by New York Giants' Johnie Cooks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Tim Clary)
New York Giants fullback Maurice Carthon (44) get tackled from behind by Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the NFL football game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Dec. 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 34-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) runs the ball during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on December 24, 1989 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 34-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Los Angeles Raiders running back Eric Dickerson (29) is pursued by New YOrk Giants defensive back Mark Collins (25) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 1992, in Los Angeles. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (Kirby Lee via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants Phil Simms (11) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 4, 1992 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders beat the Giants 13-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Oct. 4, 1992. The Raiders defeated the Giants 13-10 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Kevin Terrell)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terry Mickens (85) get away from New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell scrambles away from pressure against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants Tiki Barber runs for yardage against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive tackle Robert Harris runs through blockers as he rushes in against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive end Jessie Armstead rushes in as he fights off a block by the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants linebacker Marcus Buckley lunges to make a tackle against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell drops back as he looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) pulls way from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders center Barett Robbins prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chuck Osborne (98) rushes New York Giants quarterback Danny Kanell (13). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) attempts to hold on to New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley is tackled by New York Giants Tito Wooten (29) and Marcus Buckley (55) during an NFL football game on September 13, 1998 in Oakland. The Raiders won 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants full back Charles Way (30) gets away from Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, September 13, 1998. Raiders beat Giants 20-17. New York Giants guard Greg Bishop (78) and tackle Roman Oben (72) touch hand before play starts. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard squeezes into the endzone for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998 in Oakland, Calif.(AP Photo/John Todd)
New York Giants kicker Morten Andersen kicks a 47 yard field goal in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001 in East Rutherford, N.J. The holder is Jason Garrett. Defending for the Raiders are defensive end Tony Bryant (94) and linebacker William Thomas (59). (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants' cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for the Oakland Raiders' Jerry Porter (84) in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants catches a pass while defended by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Brad Badger #70 of the Oakland Raiders blocks Nick Greisen #54 of the New York Giants at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Visanthe Shiancoe #82 of the New York Giants on a pass catch and run against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Running back Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on December 31, 2005 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Raiders 30-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) gets into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown as quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks on against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' receiver Plaxico Burress, left, stiff-arms the Oakland Raiders' Renaldo Hill on his way to a 78-yard touchdown catch and run in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) breaks through the Oakland Raiders' defense including cornerback Nnandi Asomugha, left, on his way to 95-yard rushing touchdown in the first half of NFL football on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. The touchdown gave Barber a team-record of 50 rushing touchdowns. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Kendrick Clancy, right, reaches to sack Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins in the fourth quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Oakland Raiders' quarterback Kerry Collins, left, throws under pressure from the New York Giants' Michael Strahan, right, in the first half of NFL football action on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, top, dives over Oakland Raiders' Jarrod Cooper in the third quarter of their in NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005. The Giants won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
New York Giants' Chad Morton (29) returns a punt for 58 yards to the three-yard line against the Oakland Raiders in the second half of NFL football action on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. New York won, 30-21. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball 19 yards for his 2nd first quarter first touchdown that gives the Giants a 14-0 lead during the NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, October 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 44-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) strips Oakland Raiders quaterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) forces New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) outof bounds during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) makes a catch over Oakland Raiders defender Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and gets tackled by defensive back Stanford Routt (26) against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 11, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw dodges a tackle by Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a pass with Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha defending in the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) reacts after Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) fumbled the ball while being sacked during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants recovered the ball, on the way to a 44-7 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith catches a pass for 43 yards as Oakland Raiders cornerback Hiram Eugene defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) tackles New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders' Jonathan Holland (23) is tackled by New York Giants' Jonathan Goff (54), Travis Beckum and Clint Sintim (97) on a punt return during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Oakland Raiders' Bruce Gradkowski (5) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Oakland Raiders' Tyvon Branch (33) and Hiram Eugene (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is hit by New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (94) as he throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, left, is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson during the third quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 44-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle David Diehl, center, blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour (92) as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, left, during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. Russell fumbled the ball on the play which was recovered by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Oakland Raiders Mike Mitchell (34) looks on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) reacts after catching a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Oakland Raiders in a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) forces a fumble on Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle keeps his feet in bounds as he catches a touchdown pass as Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) bounces off Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) as guard David Diehl (66) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) tries to avoid New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, runs with the ball with Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) in pursuit during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players follow safety Cooper Taylor (30) while celebrating after Taylor picked up a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown runs with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders strong safety Brandian Ross (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) is hit by New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch as Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) tugs on his jersey during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch during a week 10 football game against the Oakland Raiders on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach (53) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) sacks and causes a fumble of Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during a week 10 football game on November 10, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs with the ball during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game 24-17. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
New York Giants' Shane Smith (43) tackles Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 9 football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday November 8th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Pass protection is the Giants' top priority in this week's matchup.
John Schmeelk: Fact - This tells the story of the strength of the Raiders' pass rush. The Raiders blitz less than any other team in the league (10.9% of pass plays) yet have the highest pressure rate (42.5%). They only rush four players and get home with them. Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby might be the best tandem of edge rushers the Giants will face this season. Solomon Thomas has been disruptive inside. It will be important for the Giants not get behind in this game, and keep diversified on offense to slow down the pass rush.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The penalties were rightfully scrutinized coming out of Monday night's game in Kansas City, but let's not forget what really ended the game: two sacks on the final drive.
Lance Medow: Fact - The Raiders have 18 sacks in seven games (they had just 21 all of last season) and lead the NFL in quarterback hits with 61. They showcase two solid edge rushers in Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby, who rank first and second, respectively, in the league in QB hurries. Ngakoue tops the charts with 28 and Crosby (24) is right behind. Those two have consistently made their presences felt against opposing signal callers and have finished plays in disrupting style. If the Giants' offensive line doesn't contain those two, it could be a long afternoon.
Matt Citak: Fact – The Giants' offensive line held up relatively well for most of the game against the Chiefs last week, allowing just one sack until the final drive of the game. But the Raiders' pass rush is another beast. Las Vegas enters this matchup with the league's highest QB pressure percentage. Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby are elite in terms of QB hurries and the Raiders are No. 1 in hitting the passer, according to Next Gen Stats. Keep in mind, the Raiders have also already had their bye.
The Raiders are currently the best team in the AFC West.
John Schmeelk: Fact - The Chiefs are still trying to find their footing offensively and defensively. The Broncos have faded after a fast start and just traded Von Miller for draft picks. The Chargers are very talented but have lost two straight while struggling defensively. The Raiders are balanced with playmakers on both sides of the ball and as long as their offensive line can hold they should be able to win the AFC West.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – The Chargers are 2-0 in the division, including a convincing win over the Raiders. They led, 21-0, at halftime of the game and held on for a 14-point victory. Even though they have lost their past two games, the Chargers get the edge. But there are no easy outs in the division.
Lance Medow: Fact - It's hard to argue, considering Las Vegas is off to a 5-2 start and has been the most consistent and balanced team in the division. The Raiders rank ninth in the NFL in total offense and 14th in total defense. They're scoring 26 points a game and allowing 24 per contest. You'd be hard pressed to find better equilibrium across a roster in the league. The Chiefs are still extremely dangerous but right now they're not executing like the best team in the division, the Broncos have been impacted by injuries on defense, just traded away Von Miller and have had issues scoring. You can make a strong case for the Chargers, but is their defense playing at a higher level than Las Vegas?
Matt Citak: Fact – This one was tough as no team in the AFC West is truly sticking out more so than the rest. But given the fact that they're sitting atop the division at 5-2 following all of the adversity they have faced this season, give the nod to the Raiders. Derek Carr is playing some of the best football of his career, the defense is getting after the quarterback at a crazy pace, and the roster is looking a lot healthier following their Week 8 bye. You can't dismiss the Chiefs potentially bouncing back in a big way in the second half of the season, plus the Chargers, while inconsistent, have played some great footbal. But as of rht now, the Raiders look like the best team in the AFC West.
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