Top 5 Cardinals vs. Raiders Matchups To Watch In Week 7

Cardinals linebacker Alex Okafor is coming off a breakout performance in last week's win over the Redskins. The second-year player recorded the first two sacks of his career and provided a spark to an abyssmal pass rush. Raiders offensive lineman Menelik Watson played well in his first start of the season last week against the San Diego Chargers and will be looking to lock down the starting job with another solid performance.

With just two tackles in five games, Raiders defensive end LaMarr Woodley has seriously underperformed, but the veteran is one of the team's unquestioned leaders on defense. Woodley will be lined up against Cardinals offensive lineman Jared Veldheer, who is returning to Oakland for the first time as a visitor, and is eager to perform well.

The Cardinals' Andre Ellington is one of the more dynamic running backs in the NFL. The second-year runner has 493 total yards and two touchdowns in five games. The Raiders rank 31st in the league in run defense at 149.8 yards per game.

Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes has emerged as one of rookie quarterback Derek Carr's favorite targets. Since becoming a starter two weeks ago, the third-year player has recorded nine receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Holmes will primarily be lined up against Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who has been victimized by opposing offenses time and time again this season.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer makes his return to Oakland and could be in store for a big game against his former team. The Raiders rank 22nd in the league in pass defense at 227 yards per game and are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 70.2 percent of their pass attempts.