1. Success getting off the field
The Raiders defense has made it count when it matters the most this season.
Heading into Week 7, they've allowed a conversion rate of 30.1 percent against opposing offenses on third downs – which ranks third-lowest in the NFL. Linebacker Robert Spillane currently leads the league in defensive stops (38), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
The Rams offense will pose a challenge on the money down as the team has converted on 40.3 percent of its third down attempts, ranking 17th in the league.
"I think offensively, when you look at the Rams, shifts, motions, eye candy, left and right," Antonio Pierce said. "They do a good job of inserting their receivers. They're active in the blocking game, and they get dirty. And then obviously, they're very explosive at the wide receiver position. You've got to be careful with that."
2. No "magic potion" to Bennett's success
The emergence of Jakorian Bennett has been a sight to see.
Through six games, the second-year defensive back has been targeted 26 times, only allowing 12 completions. His 46.2 completion percentage is the second-lowest of all cornerbacks in the NFL (min. 25 targets). Additionally, his seven pass deflections are tied for fifth-most in the league while he has also allowed the third-lowest passer rating (66.2) to opposing quarterbacks (min. 25 attempts.)
"Hard work, that's what I pride my game off of," Bennett told Raiders.com. "I try to outwork everybody. I'm just trying to stay humble and stay confident at the end of the day. There's really no magic potion to it. I'm just trying to go out there and be me."
3. The threat of Rams' top receiver
The Rams' top offensive weapon Cooper Kupp could return to the field this Sunday.
The All Pro receiver has been out of action since Week 2 with an ankle sprain. The week prior to suffering the injury, he caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. Rams Head Coach Sean McVay said Kupp is questionable to play, but assuredly, the Raiders defense is doing what it can to prepare for him if he suits up.
"[T]ough, great route runner," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "Can block in the run game. He gets open, he catches the ball, he blocks in the run game. He makes yards after contact and after the catch. Yeah, it's real tough. He's one of the best in the league in the business right now, and so, it'll change some of the gameplan a little bit."
4. Tucker feeling ready for his opportunities
While the Rams are hopeful to get their top receiver back for Week 7, the Raiders will most likely have to wait for theirs to return.
Jakobi Meyers has been ruled doubtful, still nursing an ankle injury. This could be his second straight game out of action after totaling 25 catches, 273 receiving yards and a touchdown in his first five games of the season.
In Meyers' absence and as Davante Adams was traded to the New York Jets earlier this week, targets will open up to rest of the receiving corps – especially second-year receiver Tre Tucker. Despite not recording a single catch last week against Pittsburgh, No. 11 has placed himself in the position of being one of the Raiders' top playmakers with his speed. He has hit at least 18 miles per hour on 19 of his routes ran this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
"I feel like the expectations that are around me to be this certain guy [for the team], I feel like I'm ready for that," Tucker said. "With [Davante Adams] gone, obviously you play a few more snaps. You might face a corner one or a corner two versus a corner two, corner three, but I feel like I'm ready and I'm not taking that very lightly."
5. Even more in store for Brock Bowers?
It seems like Brock Bowers has been one of the biggest topics of conversation for the Raiders lately, and rightfully so.
The 2024 first-rounder from Georgia leads all NFL tight ends in receiving yards (384), receptions (37), targets (46) and yards after catch (210). Like Tucker and other young Raiders receivers, Bowers' production could increase significantly for the remainder of the season.
With two receptions in Los Angeles this Sunday, he'll pass Amari Cooper for the most receptions (38) in franchise history among players in their first seven games and with six receptions, he'll pass Keith Jackson for the most in NFL history by a tight end in their first seven career games, a record that's stood since 1988.
"I think he's a young man that's capable of a lot of things," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said of Bowers. "And I think what makes him so dynamic though is that he plays the position in the complete sense. He can play in-line, he can get off the rock, he can block, he can do pass protection. He can run routes out of it. He can run from the backfield. You can widen him out and he can run them. ... We want to just let his game just continue to grow each and every week."
6. Accounting for Rams' backfield
Another high-octane weapon the Raiders will need to pay close attention to is running back Kyren Williams, who adds a lot of versatility to the Rams offense.
The 2023 Pro Bowler has been on a tear as he rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 before his team's bye week. It was his eighth-straight game with a rushing touchdown and his third-straight game with 100+ scrimmage yards. With another rushing touchdown this Sunday, he would become the sixth player since 2000 to record a rushing touchdown in nine straight games. His 17 consecutive games with at least 50 scrimmage yards is also the longest active streak in NFL.
"He's a very patient runner," Graham said. "Does a good job of pressing the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to jump cut both right and to the left, and then his ability on contact. He runs behind his pads but he's able to shrink his surface area to make it hard to tackle, but just watching him, he's really impressive."
Along with Williams, rookie running back Blake Corum could also pose a threat to the Raiders defense as the former All-American from Michigan is averaging 4.1 yards a carry.
As the Raiders prepare for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, view past matchups between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Smith (23) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 1972, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Drew Buie (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 1972, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Davis (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders fullback Pete Banaszak (40) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Arthur Whittington (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Raymond Chester (88) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Raymond Chester (88) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders center Dave Dalby (50) and quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Greg Pruitt (34) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes (37) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Jeff Barnes (56) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Mitch Willis (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles cornerback Fulton Walker (41) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Jerry Robinson (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver James Lofton (80) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver James Lofton (80) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and center Bill Lewis (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81)during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders kicker Chris Bahr (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Mike Haynes (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders guard Reggie McElroy (77), center Don Mosebar (72) and quarterback Jay Schroeder (13) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Roger Craig (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend (93) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jay Schroeder (13) and center Don Mosebar (72) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) and center Don Mosebar (72) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders safety Eddie Anderson (33) and defensive tackle Nolan Harrison (74) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders tackle Robert Jenkins (64) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley (83) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Perry Carter (20) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Travian Smith (56) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders tackle Barry Sims (65) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Alvis Whitted (87) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Langston Walker (66) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders guard/tackle Khalif Barnes (69) and tackle Donald Penn (72) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (21) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
nOakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones (89) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) goes to make a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders special teams line up during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Gereon Conley (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) defend on a field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
