Dissecting Best Individual Matchups to Watch in Oakland Raiders Week 1 Action

The Oakland Raiders kick off the 2013 season this Sunday as they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts.

As tough as this season may turn out to be for the silver and black, they may surprise many people around the league. No, they aren’t the most talented team, but they have made some upgrades in key areas.

For the Raiders to start on the path of surprising their doubters and continuing to move the franchise in the right direction, they will need to start with a solid effort in Week 1.

Here are the Raiders’ matchups to watch this Sunday.

 

Terrelle Pryor vs. Colts Defense



While the Raiders have yet to announce their decision for who will start at quarterback, the odds are still in favor of Terrelle Pryor winning the job.

As such, one of the more interesting matchups to watch in Week 1’s game will be him against the Colts defense.

The Colts defense struggled throughout the 2012 season, finishing 21st against the pass and 29th against the run. Upgrades have been made in the secondary, but the defensive front still has some questions, especially after the departure of Dwight Freeney.

With Pryor at quarterback, expect the Raiders to attack the defense with plenty of read-option plays. Having some success with such a run game would force the defensive backs to step up, allowing for potential big plays over the top as well.

Playing against one of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks in Andrew Luck, the Raiders may need to turn this game into a shootout to keep it close.

As a result, it could come down to Pryor’s performance at quarterback and what he is able to do leading the offense against a relatively vulnerable Colts defensive unit.

 

Raiders Defensive Line vs. Colts Offensive Line



For the Raiders to slow down Andrew Luck and the ...

About the Author