Best Bet: Aidan Hutchinson Owns Jimmy Garoppolo
The Detroit Lions' defense is seeking to pressure the quarterback significantly more this week after a subpar performance against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Jimmy Garoppolo is returning under center for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aidan Hutchinson should be able to utilize his vast pass-rush skills to give the traditional pocket passer more than he bargained for.
Play Michigan writer Drew Ellis believes Detroit's second-year defensive lineman will record at least one sack on Monday Night Football.
"The entire Detroit Lions roster should be pretty motivated to put on a show Monday night. Last week’s loss at Baltimore had to be embarrassing for most of the roster," Ellis tells All Lions. "That includes the entire defense and lead pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. It’s been a quiet few weeks for Hutchinson on the road. Returning home with an extra day of rest should have him ready to wreak havoc on this Oakland offensive line. Jimmy Garoppolo is a bit of a statue in the pocket, so I look for Hutchinson to lead a consistent pass rush and pick up one of multiple sacks for the team on Monday night (0.75, -120)."
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels expressed his opinion regarding the play of Detroit's defense and the talented former No. 2 overall draft pick.
"Yeah, I mean, their styles are a little different. And their defense, they play a little bit of a different defensive structure than we do," McDaniels told reporters. "But obviously practicing against a really talented player on the edge is only helpful in these cases. Again, it seems like every team has one. You hope they don't have two, but whether it was Khalil Mack or Nick Bosa, we've played a litany of them so far this year.
"This guy plays with an incredible motor, great effort. If you ever stop playing before the play is over, he makes a lot of plays in that regard. Finds the ball, very savvy player," McDaniels explained further. "Understands when the quarterback sets and is going to get rid of it quick, he times and stops his rush and jumps and tries to get his hands on the ball. So, just really a lot of respect for the way he's playing and how he's playing so early in his career."
