1. WR1 is out
Davante Adams has been ruled out for Sunday's game. According to Antonio Pierce, the receiver suffered an hamstring injury in Thursday's practice.
It's unfortunate timing for the Raiders offense to miss Adams, as the former All-Pro is leading the team in targets (27), receiving yards (209) and air yards (164). This will be his first game missed since Week 8 of the 2021 season when he was still playing for the Green Bay Packers.
In his absence, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker will be expected to replicate Adams' production. The duo were the top receivers in last Sunday's game against the Panthers, each securing seven catches and a touchdown. They combined for 158 yards, with Tucker setting a career high (96) in that category.
"You got Jakobi Meyers, who we really feel good about," Antonio Pierce said Friday morning. "And obviously, most teams he'll be their number one, and it's a great opportunity for him to go and show that as well. But collectively, nobody needs to be Davante Adams. I don't need another Davante, there's only one, right? I just need the best version of Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and the rest of those receivers."
2. Brock Bowers continues to rise
Brock Bowers has been up to the task as a rookie, ranking first among all tight ends in catches (18) and second in receiving yards (197).
He'll look to take on an even bigger role this Sunday with not only Adams being ruled out, but tight end Michael Mayer (personal), as well. While Bowers has proved the moment won't be too big for him, the Browns have a formidable tandem at linebacker with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks. The two have combined for three pass deflections this season. It's also worth noting the Browns have allowed 123 yards to opposing tight ends this season.
"That's going to be the biggest challenge, is winning your one-on-one matchups so it's going to be fun," Bowers said. "I'm just going to go out there and do my job and whatever happens, happens."
3. Do your job
Injuries have also affected the defensive side of the ball, with star edge rusher Maxx Crosby being ruled doubtful (ankle) for Sunday. If Crosby indeed doesn't suit up this Sunday, it will be the first game he's missed in his career.
While Crosby leads the team in sacks, the depth of the defensive line will be imperative in Allegiant Stadium. Christian Wilkins will undoubtedly still be able bring the pressure on the interior defensive line, but Tyree Wilson, Janarius Robinson and Charles Snowden must be prepared to make the most of their opportunities when they come.
"I wouldn't really say it's pressure, it's just, 'do your job,'" Wilson said of his mindset going into the game. "I feel when people say, 'put the pressure on me' they try to do the unordinary and try to be somebody else. But I feel like once you go out there and train all week to perform at the highest, you go on the field and just do your job and the plays will come."
4. Know who's in front of you
Regardless of Crosby's status, the Raiders defense has a good chance to exploit the Browns offense at the line of scrimmage.
The Browns offensive line is going into the Week 4 matchup plagued with injuries, as Wyatt Teller was placed on injured reserve and tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills have been ruled out.
"[A]nytime you line up, whether I'm a defensive lineman, whether I'm a cornerback or safety, you want to know who's in front of you," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "So, with the moving pieces, that's the first thing, first and foremost, we've got to know who's in front of us. So, there's definitely some juggling that around and making sure we know who the people they're going to deploy out there and get to know them a little bit more. But in terms of strategy, you might force some more communication on the O-line through different things. ... But the key is to make sure any time you line up out there on the field, you want to know who's across from you."
5. A first for Amari Cooper
A top performer for the Raiders defense to watch out for will be a receiver who once donned the Silver and Black.
Amari Cooper will be facing the team that drafted him for the first time in his career. The 2015 first-rounder was selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons with the Raiders, totaling 3,183 yards, 225 catches and 19 touchdowns in that span. Currently he's leading the Browns in touchdown grabs this season and is tied with Jerry Jeudy for most catches (12).
"Really good player," Graham said of Cooper. "They utilize him in key situations. The ability to catch the ball in traffic. He's fast. They can move him in different spots. The quarterback trusts him in those critical situations. Still a dynamic player in this league. He's proven it for a long time, and fun to get to go against that type of competition. I'm sure our guys are excited about it."
6. What happened last time
The last time these two teams faced off was in a physical Week 15 matchup in the 2021 season.
The Raiders left FirstEnergy Stadium with a narrow 16-14 victory over the Browns. Daniel Carlson knocked in a walk-off 48-yard field goal as time expired. Tight end Harrison Bryant, who'll see an increased role this Sunday in Mayer's absence, caught a touchdown for the Browns in that matchup.
View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and Browns as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 4 matchup at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders wait to receive a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
The Raiders force a turnover during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) goes to hand the ball off to running back Charlie Smith (23) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated by linebacker Rod Martin (53) and defensive end Willie Jones (90) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated linebacker Phil Villapiano (41) and quarterback Ken Stabler (12) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) passes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Dave Browning (73) pressures the quarterback during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive back Mike Davis (36) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs after making a catch during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) sacks the quarterback during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) jumps to try and break up a pass during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 1986.
Raiders guard Max Montoya (65) and center Don Mosebar (72) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders tight end Ethan Horton (88) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders defensive back Anthony Dorsett (33) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Travian Smith (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (20) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton (91) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Sam Williams (54) returns a fumble for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) and defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (22) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye (3) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders wide receiver Todd Watkins (19) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) passes to tight end David Ausberry (86) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Matt Giordano (27) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford returns a kickoff 101-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (24) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders linebacker Keenan Clayton (57) and defensive back Coye Francies (31) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders right end Brandon Myers (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) stiff arms the defender on his way to 10-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson (24) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back David Amerson (29) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Gareon Conley (21) returns an interception 36-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Reggie Nelson (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (92) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a game-winning 48-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
