Las Vegas Raiders

Stock Watch: Oakland Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

A weekly series recapping three players on the Oakland Raiders whose stock is on the rise after playing well, and three players whose stock has taken a hit after a poor performance.

Somehow, someway, the Oakland Raiders continue to win in dramatic fashion.

This time at home, climbing to 10-2 in triumph over the Buffalo Bills. The victory thrusts Oakland’s win streak to six, its longest since 2000.

But the 38-24 defeat of Buffalo was special, a comeback victory unlike any seen in 16 years. The 15-point deficit Oakland climbed back from was the most since the Raiders 38-31 defeat of the Indianapolis Colts on September 10, 2000. In that game, Oakland overcame a 21-point deficit on the road.

Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr and All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack each continued to solidify their cases for awards at the end of the season. But some Raiders flourished in the win, others floundered. Here are three players who stepped up, and three players who had it rough in Week 13.

Stock Up

Let’s start with players whose stock is on the rise.

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders strong safety T.J. Carrie (38) reacts after breaking up a pass attempt against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

T.J. Carrie

Oakland has lived and died by the “Next Man Up” mantra this season, and Carrie’s a great example. The third-year cornerback has been thrown in the fire throughout his young career, having to adapt through trial-and-error.

Last week against Carolina, Carrie gave up a bomb to Panthers wideout Ted Ginn Jr., yet this week, he stepped up like never before in the absence of injured corner D.J. Hayden.

The recipient of Pro Football Focus’ top defensive score for Oakland (84.4) against Buffalo, Carrie shined. Tasked with checking Bills primary receiver Sammy Watkins, Carrie excelled, holding him to just 3 catches for 38 yards. From forcing drops to swats, Carrie was a hound, in a game that’s sure to boost his confidence.

James Cowser

After showing potential in preseason play, undrafted rookie linebacker/defensive end James Cowser was placed on injured reserve in September. After an injury settlement, he signed to the Practice Squad in October.

On November 26, Oakland made the decision to activate Cowser to the active roster. On November 27, Cowser was making key plays against the Carolina Panthers on special teams.

Sunday, Cowser recorded his first career sack against the Bills.

Coming off the edge opposite Mack, Cowser smashed Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor into the bowels of the Oakland Coliseum. A feel-good story on a team of unheralded, undrafted, unappreciated gems, Cowser continues to improve.

Gabe Jackson

The Oakland offensive line is so great, that a moniker for the treacherous 300-plus-pounders has been created. “Carr Insurance” has been used to define the frontline led by guard Kelechi Osemele and tackle Donald Penn.

The supporting cast has battled injury, with a different big man stepping up weekly. This week, it’s guard Gabe Jackson, slinging Bills defenders all over the Oakland Coliseum. Whether pass or run blocking, Jackson was efficient, helping Oakland accumulate 399 offensive yards.

Stock Down

As always, there is a downside to every game.

Here are three players whose stock is trending down following their performance in Sunday’s game.

December 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Corey Graham (20) breaks up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Roberts

It seems like every week, Seth Roberts has to drop two passes in order to just catch one. It’s usually forgiven when he catches a touchdown, in which he has five total.

But this week Roberts didn’t score, and on 5 targets, he only snagged two for 18 yards. One of the most talented athletes on the roster, Roberts biggest flaw is his hands. In terms of run blocking, Roberts is top-notch, but his constant drops are a momentum killer.

Considering Roberts is in a contract year, it’s in his best interest to make the remaining games and possibly playoffs count.

Reggie Nelson

For every interception or fumble safety Reggie Nelson forces, he makes two bad plays.

Against Buffalo, a bad angle resulted in a 54-yard rush by LeSean Mccoy. And there was also a whiffed tackle that resulted in a 29-yard gain by Mike Gillislee. Nelson has struggled throughout the season against the pass and run, always managing to be a step behind.

Jamize Olawale

This may be unfair, but Olawale’s stock went down today, due to Derek Carr’s pinky injury.

The pinky is causing Carr to take all of his snap’s out of the shotgun, taking away Olawale’s carries. For just the third game this season, Olawale did not run the ball.

In terms of blocking, Olawale paved the way for running back Latavius Murray to score two touchdowns. But Jamize provides versatility and is a major weapon on the goal-line, and he was largely ineffective against the Bills due to the Raiders offense being forced to adapt to Carr’s pinky.