The Las Vegas Raiders faced off the New Orleans Saints in an exciting Week 17 matchup on December 29, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome. The Raiders emerged victorious with a final score of 25-10, showcasing standout performances from key players on both sides. This article dives deep into the player stats, game highlights, and what these numbers mean for both teams’ seasons. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fantasy football enthusiast, this detailed analysis will give you the insights you need.
Why Was the Raiders vs. Saints Game Significant?
The Raiders vs. Saints game was a pivotal moment for both teams, despite their elimination from playoff contention. For the Raiders (4-13), it was a chance to build momentum after snapping a 10-game losing streak the previous week. The Saints (5-12), meanwhile, aimed to recover from a 34-0 shutout loss to the Green Bay Packers. This game showcased emerging talents like Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers and Saints’ rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, making it a must-watch for NFL fans.
Key Game Details
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Date: December 29, 2024
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Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
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Final Score: Raiders 25, Saints 10
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Broadcast: FOX
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Referee: Land Clark
Player Stats: Raiders vs. Saints (Week 17, 2024)
Below is a comprehensive table highlighting the top performers from both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, and receiving stats. These numbers are sourced from official NFL game data and trusted sports platforms like ESPN and The Athletic.
|
Player |
Team |
Stat Category |
Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aidan O’Connell |
Raiders |
Passing |
242 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 55.6% completion |
|
Spencer Rattler |
Saints |
Passing |
218 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 55.6% completion |
|
Ameer Abdullah |
Raiders |
Rushing |
115 yards, 5.8 avg, 13 carries |
|
Kendre Miller |
Saints |
Rushing |
30 yards, 4.3 avg, 7 carries |
|
Brock Bowers |
Raiders |
Receiving |
77 yards, 7 receptions, 11.0 avg |
|
Juwan Johnson |
Saints |
Receiving |
66 yards, 5 receptions, 13.2 avg |
|
Jakobi Meyers |
Raiders |
Receiving |
65 yards, 5 receptions, 1 TD |
|
Foster Moreau |
Saints |
Receiving |
39 yards, 2 receptions, 1 TD |
Notable Performances
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Aidan O’Connell (Raiders): The quarterback delivered a solid performance, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns, including a clutch 3-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers. His poise under pressure was evident despite the Raiders’ challenging season.
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Ameer Abdullah (Raiders): Stepping up in the run game, Abdullah racked up 115 rushing yards, exploiting gaps in the Saints’ defense.
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Spencer Rattler (Saints): The rookie quarterback showed flashes of potential, completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau on a trick play, though his overall performance was hindered by a struggling offensive line.
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Brock Bowers (Raiders): The rookie tight end continued his record-breaking season, nearing Darren Waller’s single-season reception record with 77 yards on seven catches.
Team Stats Comparison
To understand the game’s dynamics, let’s compare the team stats:
|
Category |
Raiders |
Saints |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
388 | 269 |
|
Rushing Yards |
156 | 81 |
|
Passing Yards |
232 | 188 |
|
First Downs |
22 | 13 |
|
Turnovers |
0 | 2 |
|
Penalties |
3 | 10 |
|
Time of Possession |
31:45 | 28:15 |
The Raiders dominated in total offense, particularly in rushing, where they nearly doubled the Saints’ output. The Saints’ penalties and turnovers proved costly, disrupting their rhythm and giving the Raiders short fields.
What Were the Key Moments of the Game?
Several plays defined the Raiders’ victory:
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First Quarter: Ameer Abdullah’s 13-yard rush set up an early field goal, giving the Raiders a 3-0 lead.
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Second Quarter: O’Connell connected with Jakobi Meyers for a 3-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 10-0.
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Third Quarter: Spencer Rattler’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau on a trick play cut the deficit to 13-7, briefly energizing the Saints.
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Fourth Quarter: The Raiders sealed the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Alexander Mattison and a late field goal, while the Saints’ offense sputtered.
These moments highlight the Raiders’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and the Saints’ struggles to sustain drives.
How Did Injuries Impact the Game?
Injuries played a significant role, particularly for the Saints:
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Derek Carr (Saints): The veteran quarterback was sidelined with a hand injury, forcing rookie Spencer Rattler into the starting role. Carr’s absence limited the Saints’ passing game, as Rattler faced constant pressure.
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Aidan O’Connell (Raiders): Returning from injury, O’Connell showed resilience, managing the game effectively despite a depleted offensive line.
For fantasy football players, Carr’s absence likely impacted lineups, while O’Connell and Abdullah emerged as waiver wire pickups.
Who Were the Standout Players for Fantasy Football?
Fantasy football managers likely benefited from these performances:
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Ameer Abdullah: His 115 rushing yards and involvement in the passing game made him a surprise RB2 for Week 17.
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Brock Bowers: With 77 yards and seven receptions, Bowers solidified his status as a top-tier tight end.
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Jakobi Meyers: His touchdown catch and 65 yards provided WR3 value in PPR leagues.
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Spencer Rattler: While not a fantasy star, his 218 yards and touchdown offered streaming potential in deep leagues.
Fantasy Tip
Monitor injury reports closely for Week 18. If Carr remains out, Rattler could be a sneaky play against weaker defenses, while Abdullah’s role may grow if the Raiders lean on their run game.
How Do These Stats Reflect Team Trends?
Las Vegas Raiders
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Offense: Ranked 28th in total offense (300.1 yards per game), the Raiders showed improvement, particularly in rushing (156 yards). Brock Bowers’ emergence as a focal point suggests a bright future.
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Defense: Ranked 12th in total defense (328.1 yards per game), the Raiders limited the Saints to 269 yards, with Isaiah Pola-Mao (73 tackles this season) leading the way.
New Orleans Saints
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Offense: Ranked 18th in total offense (325.4 yards per game), the Saints struggled without Carr, managing only 188 passing yards. Alvin Kamara (950 rushing yards this season) was underutilized, with just 42 all-purpose yards.
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Defense: Ranked 30th in total defense (378.4 yards per game), the Saints allowed 388 yards, with Demario Davis (tackled O’Connell for a 6-yard gain) unable to stop the Raiders’ balanced attack.
These trends suggest the Raiders are building toward 2025, while the Saints face questions about their quarterback situation and defensive scheme.
What Can Fans Expect in Week 18?
For the Raiders, the focus is on developing young talent like Bowers and O’Connell while finishing the season strong. The Saints, meanwhile, must decide whether to stick with Rattler or explore free-agent quarterbacks. Both teams will use Week 18 to evaluate depth players and audition for 2025 roster spots.
Fan Tip
Follow team social media for real-time updates on player participation. The Raiders’ X account (@Raiders) and Saints’ X account (@Saints) post injury reports and lineup changes, helping fans and fantasy players stay informed.
Historical Context: Raiders vs. Saints Rivalry
The Raiders lead the all-time series 7-6-1, with this victory marking their first win over the Saints since 2008. Historically, the Saints have dominated recent matchups, outscoring the Raiders 161-81 in their last five games. However, the Raiders’ 25-10 win signals a potential shift, with their young core gaining confidence.
Fun Fact
The first Raiders-Saints meeting in 1971 ended in a 21-21 tie, a rare occurrence in NFL history.
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Conclusion
The Raiders’ Week 17 victory over the Saints showcased their resilience and emerging stars like Brock Bowers and Ameer Abdullah. While the Saints struggled without Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler’s flashes of potential offer hope for 2025. This game was a microcosm of both teams’ seasons—moments of brilliance amid rebuilding challenges. As the NFL season wraps up, fans can look forward to Week 18 for more exciting performances.
