ClutchPoints
Two struggling franchises collide in Las Vegas this Sunday as the Tennessee Titans visit the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in what could be a season-defining matchup for both teams. Both clubs enter Week 6 with identical 1-4 records, desperately searching for momentum after disappointing starts to the 2025 campaign.
The Titans are coming off their first victory of the season, a stunning 22-21 comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward threw for a season-high 265 passing yards, with 193 of those coming in the fourth quarter as Tennessee orchestrated an 18-point comeback. Meanwhile, the Raiders are spiraling after a humiliating 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, their fourth consecutive defeat following a season-opening win against New England.
With both teams facing must-win scenarios, this matchup presents unique opportunities for bold predictions based on each team’s current trajectory and key storylines.
The most glaring weakness in Las Vegas has been the catastrophic play of quarterback Geno Smith, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions through five games. Smith’s nine picks tie him for the second-most by any Raiders quarterback in their first five games since 1970, joining an infamous group that includes Josh McCown and Kerry Collins. His latest disaster came against Indianapolis, where he threw two more interceptions that directly led to Colts touchdowns.
Smith’s struggles go beyond simple ball security issues. According to scouts, he’s become overly reliant on his arm talent while attempting to force throws into tight windows. The veteran quarterback has also been slow with his release, creating additional pressure on himself behind an already struggling offensive line. His completion percentage has dipped to 65%, and his 75.6 passer rating represents a significant regression from his productive Seattle years.
The Titans defense, while not elite, ranks better than the Raiders’ offense in several key metrics. Tennessee allows 28.2 points per game (7th worst), but they’ve shown the ability to create pressure and force turnovers at opportune moments. With the Raiders averaging just 16.6 points per game (30th in the NFL), Smith will face immense pressure to produce against a defense that can afford to be aggressive.
Expect Smith’s turnover woes to continue in a major way, with the embattled quarterback throwing at least three interceptions as the Raiders lose the turnover battle by a margin of three or more. This will directly contribute to another lopsided defeat for Las Vegas.
Tony Pollard has been one of the few bright spots for Tennessee’s struggling offense, leading the team with 328 rushing yards on 82 attempts through five games. The veteran running back has shown flashes of his former Dallas Cowboys brilliance, particularly in the Titans’ lone victory against Arizona where he rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
really nice cut by Tony Pollard pic.twitter.com/1YIkwqViKc
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 23, 2025
Pollard...
