Who's the Guy?
Cameron Jordan might have lost a step, but he remains a disruptive force at the point of attack. The veteran pass rusher enters with three sacks, but his impact extends beyond the stat line. Jordan's relentlessness and competitiveness spark a unit that plays hard from the opening snap to the final whistle. With the Saints playing for pride, the veteran's energy could ignite the defense in Week 17.
Know His Name
Demario Davis is aging like a fine wine as a middle linebacker exhibiting outstanding range, instincts and diagnostic skills in the twilight of his career. The 13-year pro is a tackling machine with a knack for creating a turnover in crucial moments. For the Raiders to move the ball on the ground, they must pay attention to No. 56 to prevent him from wrecking the game from the second level.
Don't Sleep On…
Chase Young has quietly been enjoying a solid 2024 campaign. The former No. 2 overall pick has flashed disruptive potential as a pass rusher with 5.5 sacks and persistent pressure off the edge. As a freak athlete with exceptional strength and power, Young can create problems as one of the Saints' designated playmakers on the frontline.
Under Pressure
With Derek Carr sidelined with an injury, the Saints will hand the ball to Spencer Rattler to lead the offense against the Raiders. The rookie has sputtered as a substitute starter, but his arm talent and playmaking ability could make him a challenge to defend if he finds his rhythm early. Though the Saints' lack of firepower puts a heavy burden on his shoulders, Rattler has flashed enough potential to create some problems for the Raiders defense.
Matchup to Watch
Tyrann Mathieu vs. Brock Bowers
The ball-hawking safety is an aggressive playmaker with a knack for coming down with interceptions on tipped or overthrown passes. Though he won't shadow Bowers all over the field, Mathieu will keep a close eye on the Raiders' No. 1 option to see if he can step in front of a pass intended for the unstoppable tight end. Aidan O'Connell must proceed with caution when attacking the middle of the field due to the former Pro Bowler lurking between the hashes.
Offensive Strategy
The Saints will attempt to utilize a balanced attack to alleviate some of the pressure on their young quarterback. Though Spencer Rattler is a capable thrower, the Saints will attempt to limit his pass attempts to minimize his mistakes and avoid a critical turnover. If the rookie is able to operate as a manager directing a ball control offense, the Saints could dominate time of possession and steal the game in the fourth quarter on a timely big play.
Defensive Strategy
The Saints will relentlessly attack the Raiders with a barrage of blitzes designed to create chaos for an inexperienced quarterback. Cameron Jordan and Chase Young will play pivotal roles in a gameplan that will feature five- and six-man pressures on crucial downs. Though the high-risk, high-reward tactics could backfire on the Saints, the Raiders must prepare to face a team willing to take an unorthodox approach to win a game.
As the Raiders prepare to travel to New Orleans to face the Saints in Week 17, take a look back at photos of past matchups through the years.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Monte Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Jess Phillips (35) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Morris Bradshaw (81) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 13, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 13, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Sean Jones (99) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 13, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 23, 1988, in New Orleans, La.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 23, 1988, in New Orleans, La.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Monday, December 16, 1991, in New Orleans, La.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Nolan Harrison (74) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Monday, November 16, 1991, in New Orleans, La.
Los Angeles Raiders safety Dan Land (25) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Monday, December 16, 1991, in New Orleans, La.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Nolan Harrison (74) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Raghib Ismail (86) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders center Don Mosebar (72) and guard Steve Wisniewski (76) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Jerry Ball (93) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chester McGlockton (91) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley (83) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rob Fredrickson (53) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rob Holmberg (57) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Kevin Johnson (98) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ed Hervey (86) during the pre season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, August 16, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George (3) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George (3) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle quarterback Jeff George (3) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback David Klinger (7) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Kenny Shedd (84) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Darrell Russell (96) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Mike Morton (50) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George (3) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Mike Morton (50) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Pat Harlow (77) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Lorenzo Lynch (43) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Darrell Russell (96) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Tim Hall (45) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 9, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders full back Zack Crockett (32) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, November 19, 2000, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Lance Johnstone (51) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, November 19, 2000, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, November 19, 2000, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Randy Jordan (28) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, November 19, 2000, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Buchanon (31) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Amos Zereoue (28) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (24) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) makes a 13-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Ted Washington (92) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 12, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
The Oakland Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 12, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 12, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 12, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ashley Lelie (87) during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome, Sunday, October 12, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders guard Cooper Carlisle (66), tackle Jared Veldheer (68) and tight end Brandon Myers (83) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Matt Giordano (27) and linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Jeremy Stewart (32) and wide receiver Rod Streater (80) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (77) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes (69), quarterback Carson Palmer (3) and guard Cooper Carlisle (66) during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at O.co. Coliseum, Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Jamize Olawale (49) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes for a 75-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Daren Bates (56) during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes for a 6-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, September 11, 2016, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 21, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 21, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) stiff arms the defender during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 21, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 54-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium, Monday, September 21, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (29) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, Sunday, October 30, 2022, in New Orleans, La.
