Both teams should be well-rested and also on current losing streaks. But the biggest difference between the two teams this week is what the Cowboys are dealing with emotionally after the sudden death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
The Cowboys at least had a bye week to help with the pain but it's not going to be easy as they return to meetings, practice and of course, the game Monday night. The Raiders aren't coming off a bye week but will have 11 days between games to prepare for the Cowboys' first trip to Las Vegas.
That will be one of the storylines for the week, as we detail five each for the Raiders and Cowboys.
Raiders
Much-needed rest? – The Raiders are one of six teams with just two or fewer losses in the NFL, and currently have a three-game losing streak entering this game. The Raiders should have the benefits of a mini-bye week, considering they played last Thursday at Denver (a 10-7 loss) and get 11 days of rest before the Cowboys game Monday night.
Getting Jeanty Going – Under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the offense has not taken off this year, ranking 30th overall in the NFL at just 272.7 yards per game. And even with the drafting of Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders rank 29th in rushing. Jeanty has 547 rushing yards, ranking 17thin the NFL.
Geno Casino – Geno Smith has not had the greatest start to the season, and he's ranked at the top of wrong stat categories. Smith is second in the NFL in interceptions thrown with 12 and he's been sacked 27 times (fourth-most) for 186 yards lost (third-most). Of the QBs who have started at least nine games this year, Smith has the fourth-lowest quarterback rating at 81.4.
Sophomore slump?– One of the players who can likely help Smith and the offense the most if dynamic tight end Brock Bowers. Two games ago, he had season-highs in targets (13) and catches (12) in an overtime loss to the Jaguars. But that was followed up in Denver the next game with just three targets overall for one catch, resulting in a 31-yard gain. Bowers is a playmaking tight end who caught 112 passes as a rookie last year to league all NFL tight ends. But has just 32 receptions for 383 yards this year, ranking 16th and 13th among NFL tight ends this year.
O-line woes – The Raiders are dealing with several issues on the offensive line, especially in the interior. Starting right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson is going on IR, to miss four games and perhaps the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Guard Dylan Parham also suffered an ankle injury and the team is already without tackle Kolton Miller, who is on IR. The Cowboys have issues on defense but recently strengthened the group with the addition of All-Pro Quinnen Williams.
Cowboys
Heavy Hearts – How the Cowboys respond to the tragic news of Marshawn Kneeland's death will be the big question heading into this game. With the bye week, the Cowboys didn't have to prepare for a game last week and could take the time to grieve for the loss of their fallen teammate. Now, as they transition back into football, just how they go about their business and prep for the Raiders is going to be the toughest part of the week.
Added vets on defense - Whether it's the veterans they've added in trades, or the players coming off the injured lists, the Cowboys could have as many as four or five new faces on defense that we haven't seen this year. Quinnen Williams was added in a big trade with the Jets to add some talented experience in the middle. Logan Wilson was also acquired in a trade to help the linebacker spot.
Getting healthy? – After the bye week, teams are usually at their healthiest moment. For the Cowboys, they're getting a couple of key defenders back from the injured list. DeMarvion Overshown as been on PUP with a knee injury and is expected to play. Lining him up next to Wilson could be a huge boost at linebacker. Savone Revel is looking to make his NFL debut as he has been activated from the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list and could also play to help add depth at corner. Don't forget, Revel hasn't played a snap of football since Week 3 in the 2024 college season at East Carolina, so he likely won't be thrown right into the action.
O-Line Shuffle? – The Raiders likely had some offers to trade defensive end Maxx Crosby, but chose to keep him. Now, the Cowboys must figure out a way to block him. The offensive line hasn't been playing their best football, despite having their regular starting five linemen back in the lineup for the last game vs. Arizona, the Cowboys struggled mightily on the line. We'll see if the O-line will have some of the changes Brian Schottenheimer mentioned would happen after the bye. Nate Thomas is an option to play either left or right tackle, depending on the health and status of Terence Steele.
First game in Vegas – The Cowboys have never played a regular season game in Las Vegas. Monday's game will be the first for the Cowboys, who did play the Raiders there last year in the preseason. But as far as the games that count, this will be a new city the Cowboys have played in for the regular season. It's also a matchup of former colleagues as Brian Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator in Seattle for three years (2018-2020) under Pete Carroll, who is in his first season as the Raiders head coach.
