The Las Vegas Raiders are getting ready for their 2024 home opener following a tough victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

Days removed for their triumphant win, they're putting all of their focus on the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are coming to Vegas with an 0-2 record and a change at signal caller. Nevertheless, the Panthers have a mixture of young talent and veteran leaders on both sides of the ball that could pose a threat for the Silver and Black.

Here are three potential matchups to focus on heading into the Week 3 showdown in Allegiant Stadium.

Raiders pass rush vs. Andy Dalton

The Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL landscape by benching Bryce Young, who they selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. After the former Heisman Trophy winner compiled a 2-16 record as a starter, the coaching staff is turning to veteran Andy Dalton this week, saying they believe he gives them the best chance to win.

Considering Dalton's track record in the NFL, it's a decision that could provide some stability to the Panthers. Playing in his 14th season, the three-time Pro Bowler has won 83 career starts and is 3-0 as a starter against the Raiders. His last start against the Silver and Black came in Week 8 of the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints, where he threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-0 win.

"He's a vet. I'm sure that's not too much they can't throw at him and ask him to do," Antonio Pierce said Wednesday. "But I do expect for him to be a little more efficient I'd think on third down, that's what their issues were. But looking at a guy who is experienced, that knows how to move the ball, move the chains, and somehow, some way, when he gets on the field, he makes plays. So, we've got to be saavy and smart there."

As the Raiders prepare for Dalton, it will be imperative to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Pierce and Patrick Graham have the benefit of assistant head coach Marvin Lewis' expertise. He was Dalton's head coach with the Cincinnati Bengals for eight seasons.

Maxx Crosby is also coming off an AFC Defensive Player of the Week showing against the Baltimore Ravens with four tackles for loss, two sacks along with a 29 percent pass rush win rate through two games.

"We got the news and we're excited for the challenge," Crosby said on his podcast Tuesday. "Andy Dalton, at the end of the day he's been in the league for a long time, but he's won a lot of games in this league. I played him one time and he beat us. I definitely remember that and we've got to get it back. I'm looking forward to the challenge, regardless of who it is."

The rest of the defensive line must step up alongside Crosby, including Janarius Robinson and Charles Snowden on the opposite side. Christian Wilkins and Adam Butler will also be critical pieces, as the two combined for six total tackles against the Ravens.

Davante Adams vs. Jaycee Horn

Good things happen when Davante Adams is targeted at a high volume, with his impeccable route running and one of the best releases off the line of scrimmage the game has seen from any receiver. He led the Raiders in receptions (nine), targets (12) and receiving yards (110) in Week 2, plus notched the game-tying touchdown grab that helped propel his team to a win. Through two weeks he's accounted for 55.2 percent of his team's air yard share, the third-most of any receiver, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

While the Panthers have a few question marks on the defensive side of the ball, one of their more promising players is cornerback Jaycee Horn. The 2021 first-rounder has been limited by injuries throughout his NFL career, but he's been productive when able to step on the field.

Horn has five career interceptions, including one he caught last Sunday against the Chargers. He also led the Panthers in pass deflections (seven) in 2022. While covering Adams is a tall task for any cornerback, Horn is certainly the best player in the Panthers secondary that will be up for the challenge.

Brock Bowers vs. Jordan Fuller/Xavier Woods

Through the the first two weeks of his NFL career, Brock Bowers has been a problem.

His ability to get open has been admirable, creating four yards of separation when targeted in Week 2, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Bowers currently leads all tight ends in targets (17), receptions (15) and receiving yards (156) as he's quickly become one of Gardner Minshew II's top targets alongside Adams.

"We knew we were getting a blue chipper," Pierce said about the rookie tight end. "I mean, he did it day one at Georgia, when he walked on campus. And he did it each and every game, each and every year. ... To be honest, we knew what we got, just didn't want to speak on it until he did it. Now it's out there and there's no hiding it. He's a really good football player, he's tough, he loves the game. He doesn't care how he looks, how he talks, he just wants to play ball, and that fits our mentality."

Bowers is a serious threat for defenses for his ability to line up anywhere on the field, not to mention his sheer athleticism. The Raiders are more than likely to use their first-rounder as a mismatch against the Panthers defense, primarily against their safety tandem of Jordan Fuller and Xavier Woods.

This is Fuller's first season with the Panthers after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He started all 17 games for the Rams in 2023, leading the team in forced fumbles (three) and tied for the team lead in interceptions (three). Woods has been a fixture in Carolina's secondary for three seasons now, leading the team in pass deflections (seven) last season. Through two games in 2024, the duo has combined for 15 solo tackles.