Jets Face Raiders in Week 8 Bid to Halt Five-Game Skid
Las Vegas enters with a four-game losing streak and a vulnerable rushing defense, while New York seeks its third win of the season.
By David Almasi ·
The New York Jets host the Las Vegas Raiders at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, in an attempt to secure their third victory of the 2026 season. The Jets currently hold a 2-5 record after dropping a 28-25 decision to the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. This loss prevented New York from improving its standing, leaving the team in third place within the AFC East.
The Raiders arrive in New York with a 3-4 record and a four-game losing streak. A primary factor in their recent struggles is a slow start to games. Las Vegas has consistently fallen behind in the first half while quarterback Kirk Cousins searches for rhythm. However, the Raiders have demonstrated an ability to rally late, accumulating 56 points in the fourth quarter during this four-game span.
Cousins, who is 38 years old, leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes. He has also thrown for 1,877 yards, ranking third in the league. His performance has kept the Raiders competitive despite their current slump. The receiving corps is led by wide receiver Tre Tucker, who has accumulated 474 yards and four touchdowns over the first seven games. Tight end Brock Bowers contributes 455 yards in just five appearances.
The running game presents a different picture for Las Vegas. Second-year running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for 102 yards in Week 1 but has not surpassed 60 yards in any game since. This lack of consistent ground production limits the Raiders' offensive versatility. The Jets can exploit this weakness, as the Raiders defense allows an average of 140.6 rushing yards per game.
New York must capitalize on the Raiders' defensive gaps. The Las Vegas unit has yielded 6.5 yards per play during its losing streak, the highest mark in football over that period. The Jets offense has shown flashes of potential and must target the Raiders' weak points to build a lead. If the Jets can maintain pressure on Cousins and prevent late-game rallies, they stand the best chance to avoid a fifth consecutive loss.
A victory would position the Jets favorably before their Week 9 trip to Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders are currently viewed as a team that might make roster moves at the trade deadline, making this matchup a critical opportunity for New York to gain momentum. The Jets must avoid their typical second-half collapse to secure the result.
