The Philadelphia Eagles (8‑5) return to their home stadium to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2‑11) on a short week, with the Eagles positioned as huge favorites.
Vic Fangio vs. Kenny Pickett
The Raiders’ starting quarterback, Geno Smith, will miss the game with a shoulder injury, leaving former Eagles backup Kenny Pickett to start for one of the NFL’s worst offenses. Pickett, 27, spent the 2024 season with the Eagles and finished the Super Bowl LIX run in New Orleans with a big lead. He started one game for the Eagles last season, a 41‑7 victory over the Cowboys, before being traded to the Browns in March and then to the Raiders in August.
Pickett entered the game against the Broncos on Sunday, completing 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders lost 24‑17, with 10 of their points coming in the final 3 minutes. The Raiders’ rushing offense ranks 32nd in the NFL.
Eagles Linebackers vs. Brock Bowers
The Raiders’ top receiver is first‑round pick Brock Bowers, who leads the team with 53 catches for 619 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 10 games. Bowers missed all of October with a knee injury but returned on Nov. 2 for a standout performance against the Jaguars, recording 12 receptions for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns. Since then, Bowers has posted steady production.
Philadelphia’s defense has excelled against tight ends this season, allowing the fewest receiving yards to opposing tight ends in the league. Opposing tight ends have totaled 51 catches for 428 yards and 3 touchdowns against Vic Fangio’s unit.
Eagles Defensive Line vs. Raiders’ Shaky Offensive Line
The Eagles’ defensive line delivered a dominant performance against the Chargers, recording 7 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures. The Raiders have allowed 50 sacks this season, the most in the NFL, and have given up a sack on 10.8% of their dropbacks and a pressure on 36.9% of their dropbacks.
Key defensive tackles for the Raiders include LT Stone Forsythe, who in 10 games has recorded 10 sacks and 33 pressures, and RT DJ Glaze, who in 13 games has tallied 7 sacks and 36 pressures. Players such as Jalyx Hunt, Jaelan Phillips, and Nolan Smith have opportunities to shine if the Eagles can stifle the Raiders’ rushing attack.
Fred Johnson vs. Maxx Crosby
Lane Johnson is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a Lisfranc sprain, putting Fred Johnson in line to start again. Johnson will face Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ best player and a four‑time Pro Bowler who has played at a high level in 2025.
In 13 games, Crosby has 10 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for loss, 63 tackles, 6 batted passes, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He has played 93% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps and has been at 93% or higher in each of the last four seasons. Crosby lines up almost exclusively on the defensive left, with around 87% of his snaps against right tackles.
Saquon Barkley vs. Raiders Run Defense
Saquon Barkley, who had his second 100‑plus yard game against the Chargers, is facing a Raiders run defense that ranks 16th in the NFL, giving up 113.9 yards per game and 18 rushing touchdowns. The Raiders allocate significant resources to their run defense, using a stacked box (8+ defenders) on 50.5% of their snaps, the highest percentage in the league.
The Raiders’ starting linebackers are Elandon Roberts and former Eagle Devin White, who leads the team with 133 combined tackles.
Dallas Goedert vs. Raiders Defense vs. Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert had a strong performance Monday night with 8 catches for 78 yards. In 12 games this season, Goedert has recorded 48 catches for 481 yards and 7 touchdowns, putting him on pace for a productive season.
The Raiders have performed well against opposing tight ends, allowing the third‑fewest receiving yards in the league. Opposing tight ends have totaled 47 catches for 487 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Raiders.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles’ defense has been dominant against tight ends and quarterbacks, while the Raiders’ offense struggles on both sides of the ball.
- Kenny Pickett will start for the Raiders, replacing an injured Geno Smith, and the Eagles’ linebackers and defensive line will aim to contain him.
- The Raiders’ run defense, while middle‑of‑the‑pack on paper, has been heavily loaded in the box, giving the Eagles opportunities to exploit gaps.
The upcoming game promises a clash of contrasting fortunes, with the Eagles’ balanced attack and stout defense facing a Raiders squad that has struggled on both sides of the ball. Fans can expect the Eagles to leverage their strengths in pass rush, coverage, and run defense to maintain their advantage as the season progresses.
Closing Thoughts
With the Eagles positioned as heavy favorites, the game will test the Raiders’ ability to overcome a dominant defensive front and a veteran quarterback in Kenny Pickett. The outcome will further shape the narrative for both teams as the season enters its critical stages.
