EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Two of the AFC’s most dominant teams all season long will collide in the Divisional Round as the Las Vegas Raiders travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the top-seeded New York Jets. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the spotlight couldn't be brighter for this Game of the Week showdown.
These two teams met earlier this season in Week 5, where the Raiders handed the Jets a rare home loss, 24-10. Now, head coach Max Farias and his 14-3 Raiders return to the scene with one goal: to do it again. Standing in their way is Robert Saleh's 15-2 Jets squad, riding the league's longest win streak and looking to avenge that early-season setback.
Heavyweight Battle on Both Sides
Statistically, there's almost no separation between these two juggernauts. The Raiders come in ranked #1 in scoring offense (32.1 PPG) and #1 in scoring defense (15.5 PPG allowed). Quarterback Trent Carney has been outstanding, throwing for 4,459 yards and 36 touchdowns to just 10 picks. His top target, Brock Bowers, led the team with 112 receptions, 1,396 yards, and 12 touchdowns, while Imani Younger added 1,222 yards and 18 scores on the ground.
The Jets aren't far behind. They rank #4 in scoring (28.7 PPG) and #3 in scoring defense (17.9 PPG allowed). Joshua Booth is the steady hand leading the offense, throwing for 4,569 yards and 30 touchdowns. Breece Hall has powered the run game with 1,454 yards and a league-leading 20 rushing touchdowns, while tight end Devin Payne has been Booth's go-to target with 100 catches for 1,214 yards.
Last Time They Met
In their regular-season matchup, Las Vegas smothered New York's offense. Younger rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Booth struggled, completing just 20 of 42 passes for 233 yards and no scores. Payne managed 90 yards, but it wasn't enough to crack the Raiders' top-ranked defense.
That game set the tone for the Raiders’ season, but the Jets have evolved since. Booth has found a rhythm, and Saleh's defense has tightened, especially against the run, where they now rank #1 in rush yards allowed (54.6 YPG).
Key Injuries
The Raiders will be without defensive tackle Johnnie Bruce (dislocated elbow) and free safety Trey Taylor (torn rotator cuff), two players who contributed to their elite defensive ranking.
For the Jets, both Jermaine Johnson II and George Tuck are out with broken ribs, creating potential pressure point issues in the front seven.
The Raiders will win if…
They control the trenches and force Booth into uncomfortable third-and-longs. Carney doesn't need to be flashy - he just needs to stay efficient and avoid turnovers. If the offense can capitalize on red zone chances and Younger continues his consistent ground production, the Raiders’ defense will take care of the rest.
The Jets will win if…
Booth gets time in the pocket, and the offensive line opens enough lanes for Hall. New York's defense must swarm Carney and limit Bowers' impact, forcing the Raiders to beat them with secondary weapons. If they can avenge their early-season loss and set the tempo, they'll be heading to the AFC Championship.
Final Word
This is the kind of matchup that defines a season. Two elite rosters, two well-coached teams, and one massive opportunity. The Raiders already proved they can win at MetLife, but the Jets have grown since then. Expect fireworks, big moments, and playoff football at its finest.
