Saints' Air Attack Faces Its Toughest Test Yet Against Undefeated Raiders

Chris Olave has been the centerpiece of the passing game with 18 receptions for 268 yards, drawing heavy defensive attention while remaining highly productive. Devaughn Vele has added 12 catches on 16 targets for 133 yards, often in traffic, and rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Lance has chipped in four receptions for 50 yards as the staff's trust in him grows.

Tight end Juwan Johnson remains one of Shough's most trusted targets, with seven catches on 11 targets for 120 yards. He is part of a deep tight end group that includes veteran Noah Fant and rookie Oscar Delp, whose snap count has grown each week. Even without rookie first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson, who is on injured reserve, the Saints' wideouts have driven the offense.

The Raiders defense presents a major step up in difficulty. Las Vegas has allowed just 184 passing yards per game, second in completion percentage at 55.6, and has given up only one passing touchdown while intercepting three passes. Edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who stayed with the team after an offseason trade to Baltimore fell through, already has 1.5 sacks and 10 pressures this season after recording 10 sacks and 29 pressures in 2025.

Free-agent addition Kwity Paye has bolstered the pass rush with two sacks and five quarterback hits, with Malcolm Koonce providing 1.5 sacks in a depth role. Linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, both offseason signings, have upgraded the defense's athleticism, with Dean contributing 1.5 sacks and four pressures as a blitzer. In the secondary, rookie fifth-round cornerback Hezekiah Masses leads the team with two interceptions and three pass breakups while allowing only two completions.

Safety could be Las Vegas's weak spot. Impressive rookie Treydan Stukes will miss the game with a concussion, leaving veteran Jeremy Chinn, who has limited range in deep coverage, with a larger burden. The Raiders have also generated little interior pass rush from their defensive linemen, which may give Shough room to operate up the middle.

New Orleans has concerns of its own. The running game has been ineffective, allowing opponents to blitz Shough frequently, and the offensive line must protect better. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is out with an ankle injury, leaving Asim Richards to start and face Crosby and Paye alongside right tackle Taliese Fuaga. The Saints will also be without rookie receiver and returner Barion Brown (hamstring), meaning Kevin Austin Jr. will see more snaps and the team must find a replacement on special teams. Running backs Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara have just 45 combined receiving yards on 14 catches and could be more involved as pass catchers going forward.

Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints kicks off Sunday, September 27 at 4:25 PM EDT at Caesars Superdome, with coverage on CBS.