1. Sick days
After missing two days of practice with an illness, Davante Adams seems to be on the right track.
The receiver has been fighting "a bug" going around the locker room, according to Head Coach Josh McDaniels, but was back at practice Friday and is questionable to play. Along with Adams, Clelin Ferrell, Johnathan Abram and Tashawn Bower have missed some time this week due to illness. McDaniels and his staff have taken necessary precautions in making sure players take it easy and try to keep the illness from spreading.
"If the player's healthy enough to be here and be able to be in the meetings and around some guys here and take part in the day to day, we'd just put a mask on him and try to avoid the spreading of it," McDaniels said Friday morning. "So, some guys have been in masks this week. Some guys have obviously had it a little worse than others. But I think we know how to maybe handle it a little bit better, and that's what we tried to do."
2. Elite company
While we're still on the subject of Davante Adams, he's continuously been putting up numbers on par with Hall of Famers.
Last week against the Houston Texans, Adams became the fifth receiver in NFL history to eclipse the 700 receptions and 75 career touchdown mark in his first nine seasons. He joins Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrsion, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.
"[H]e's a unicorn. That's what I've said since we got him, and he's a different player," McDaniels said of Adams. "When you have players like that, it doesn't always mean that teams are going to play with split safeties or double or anything like that. ... I think he's been productive against every coverage. I've seen basically everything he's done for most of his career, and he knows how to attack it – outside, inside, split safety, post safety, man-to-man coverage, zone.
"He's a very smart player, very cerebral, learns really quickly. If you tell him something, five seconds later he can pretty much do it. A very unique player."
With two more touchdowns, he'd become the fourth receiver in history to surpass 700 receptions and 80 career touchdowns in his first nine seasons. Adams' last contest with multiple touchdown catches was Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
3. Back to the Bayou
Several Raiders have ties with the state of Louisiana, and are excited to return home.
Cornerback Amik Robertson hails from Thibodaux, Louisiana, roughly 60 miles west of New Orleans. He also played collegiate football at Louisiana Tech, where he was a two-time First-team All-Conference USA and an AP Second-team All-American. He said his fondest football memory in Louisiana was his last collegiate home game against UTSA, with a large majority of his family renting a tour bus to watch his Bulldogs come out on top. Robertson is excited to once again play in front of family members for the first time in awhile.
"I have a lot of people I'm expecting to be there," said Robertson. "A lot of people can't travel to come to my games. So those people that haven't been able to travel to [any] of my games since I've been in the league, they'll be able to travel down there and watch me play against New Orleans."
Additionally, former LSU Tigers Foster Moreau, a New Orleans native, and Neil Farrell Jr. will be playing in the state for the first time in their NFL careers. The last time Farrell played a game in Caesars Superdome, his LSU Tigers defeated the Clemson Tigers in the 2020 CFB National Championship game.
"I'm not from Louisiana, but I was down there five years, so I feel like I got a little home there," the rookie said. "It's going to be a great atmosphere."
4. Two undefeated streaks on the line
New Orleans Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen named Andy Dalton the starting quarterback going into the game Sunday. Dalton has a career 3-0 record in games he's seen action against the Raiders. He has 487 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in his career against the Silver and Black.
Derek Carr has had similar success against the New Orleans Saints in his nine-year career. He has a 2-0 record against the Saints, with his most recent victory coming in the first game the Raiders have ever played in Allegiant Stadium in 2020. Carr threw for 284 yards, three touchdowns and completed nearly 74 percent of his passes in that game.
5. Go Jacobs, Go!
Josh Jacobs is on the verge of making more history.
If the Raiders running back reaches 150 scrimmage yards and a rushing TD this week, he can become the fifth player in NFL history to do so in four consecutive games and the first since Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson did so in 2006. Jacobs has averaged over 174 total scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns over his last three games.
With two more rushing touchdowns, he'll also surpass fullbacks Mark van Eeghen and Zack Crockett for third-most rushing touchdowns in franchise history.
6. Don't sleep on the rookie
Friday afternoon, Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen ruled out receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry for Sunday. The two former Pro Bowlers have missed a combined seven games this season.
Chris Olave, the Saints' 2022 first-round pick out of Ohio State, has stepped up in their absence in a big way so far. Olave currently leads the team in catches (32) and receiving yards (495). He also leads all rookie receivers in the NFL in both of those categories.
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.
