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5 Bold Predictions for Oakland Raiders vs Detroit Lions

5 Bold Predictions for Raiders vs Lions

Latavius Murray Cover
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In this second week of preseason action, the Oakland Raiders will take on the Detroit Lions in what should be an interesting matchup between two teams trying to gain some relevance. Both are coming off of low-scoring affairs in their preseason openers, although the Lions edged out a win in Week 1 while the Raiders fell by four points to the Minnesota Vikings.

Either way, it’s sure to be an interesting game. Here are our five bold predictions.

5. Mikel LeShoure will average under two yards per carry

Cleveland Browns v Detroit Lions
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5. Mikel LeShoure will average under two yards per carry

Cleveland Browns v Detroit Lions
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Let’s face it. LeShoure is a bust, and the Lions are never going to be able to get any sort of quality production out of the former second-round pick. He was miserable in Detroit’s first preseason game, and should continue to struggle in the second outing. Especially up against a Raiders front that played particularly well last week, LeShoure doesn’t stand a chance of moving the ball well.

4. Justin Cole will come back down to Earth

Justin Cole
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Justin Cole will come back down to Earth

Justin Cole
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Despite only playing on 18 snaps, Cole was a monster for the Raiders last week. He was a force against the run, but also put immense pressure on the opposing quarterback, even racking up a sack during his short time on the field. However, this week will be different. The Lions have solid depth along the offensive line, and know not to ignore Cole after his big outing. Detroit will shut him down.

3. Matt McGloin will throw three touchdowns

Oakland Raiders v Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Matt McGloin will throw three touchdowns

Oakland Raiders v Minnesota Vikings
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

After last week’s poor showing from Matt Schaub, the Raiders will be giving their two backup quarterbacks every opportunity to outplay the current starter. While Derek Carr should play well, it’ll be McGloin who again steals the show. The former undrafted free agent played well last week, and should have no problem taking advantage of a lackluster Detroit secondary this week.

2. Eric Ebron will have a breakout performance

Eric Ebron
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. Eric Ebron will have a breakout performance

Eric Ebron
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ebron was far from impressive in his preseason debut. Not only did he struggle with run blocking, but he managed only two yards with his one reception. While it certainly wasn’t a bad performance, it wasn’t a good one either. This time around, though, the uber-athletic tight end should be able to break out. He’s going up against an Oakland defense that routinely struggles to keep tight ends in check.

1. Latavius Murray will rush for 100 yards

Oakland Raiders v Minnesota Vikings
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1. Latavius Murray will rush for 100 yards

Oakland Raiders v Minnesota Vikings
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Even with Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden in the mix, the Raiders will be forced to give Murray touches at some point this season. The sophomore spent his entire first season in the NFL on IR, but possesses on outstanding combination of size and speed. Murray should see plenty of action against the Lions, and won't have a problem picking up big rushing yards.

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