Raiders vs. Texans Preseason: 5 Must-Watch Stars Ready to Explode
Las Vegas Raiders Preseason Preview: What to Watch Against the Houston Texans
Game Details
- Matchup: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans
- Game Type: Second Preseason Game
- Kickoff: Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT
- Location: Houston
Key Players to Watch
1. Second-Year Wide Receiver (Former Second-Round Pick)
Why he matters: He’s coming off a promising preseason opener against Arizona.
- Converted three third downs (kept drives alive)
- Blocked well (showed effort beyond catching passes)
- Had an inconsistent rookie season and slow start to training camp
- What to watch: Can he build on last week’s momentum?
2. Quarterback Kirk Cousins (Turns 38 Today!)
The situation:
- Coach Klint Kubiak won’t confirm if starters will play
- Starters likely won’t play in the final preseason game (vs. San Francisco next week)
- So Cousins might get another short appearance ("cameo") tonight
- Recent form:
- Great in one series vs. Arizona
- Strong training camp
- Struggled in joint practice vs. Texans on Tuesday
- Bottom line: He may get extra reps tonight to shake off Tuesday’s rough practice.
3. Third-Round Draft Pick (Position Unspecified)
Last week vs. Arizona:
- Struggled — seemed "a little lost"
- Failed to finish plays
- Showed good burst (speed/explosiveness)
- Tonight’s test: Can he learn from mistakes and make plays?
4. Kicker Battle: Undrafted Rookie Matsuzawa vs. Veteran Matt Gay
IMPORTANT ROSTER BATTLE
Matsuzawa must have a big game tonight or he’s likely headed for the practice squad.
Matsuzawa’s rough debut:
- Doinked a 38-yard field goal (hit the upright)
- Kickoff went out of bounds (penalty, gives opponent good field position)
5. Rookie Cornerback (First Game Since 2024)
Preseason opener vs. Cardinals:
- Rough night
- Looked better in Tuesday’s practice vs. Texans
- Question: Was last week just a "learning lesson"?
- Needs to: Finish plays better (catch interceptions, make tackles)
6. Undrafted Rookie Pass Rusher
Flashing potential:
- Recorded a sack in preseason opener
- Has flashed since offseason (consistently showing up)
- Opportunity: Can "pay his way onto the roster" with more big plays tonight.
7. Newly Signed Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
Special teams weapon:
- Averaged 30 yards per kick return last week
- Path to roster: Could make the 53-man roster as a returner if he keeps flashing.
8. Cornerback Vance (Nickel Specialist)
Standout from last week:
- Flashed as a nickel corner (slot defender)
- Other young corners struggled
- Opportunity: Can earn a roster spot with strong final two preseason games.
9. Fourth-Round Pick Running Back
The "X-Factor" candidate:
- 53-yard run vs. Cardinals (explosive play)
- Ran well vs. Texans’ second team in Tuesday’s practice
- Profile: Big + Speedy = rare combo
- Potential: Could be a game-changer for the offense.
Position Battles to Monitor
| Position | Contenders | What Decides It |
|---|---|---|
| Kicker | Matsuzawa (rookie) vs. Matt Gay (vet) | Consistency & clutch kicks |
| Returner | New WR vs. others | Big returns, ball security |
| Nickel CB | Vance vs. other young CBs | Coverage, tackling, instincts |
| RB3/RB4 | 4th-round pick vs. veterans | Explosiveness, pass protection |
What Happens Next? (Preseason Roadmap)
- Tonight — Game 2 vs. Texans (starters might play briefly)
- Next Week — Game 3 vs. 49ers (starters unlikely to play)
- Late August — Final 53-man roster cuts
- Early September — Regular season begins!
Summary
The Raiders’ second preseason game against the Texans is a critical evaluation night for fringe roster players. While Kirk Cousins might get a few snaps to rebound from a rough practice, the real storylines are bubble players fighting for jobs:
- Matsuzawa needs a perfect kicking night to beat out Matt Gay
- The new return man can lock down a spot with another 30+ yard average
- Vance has the inside track at nickel corner
- The 4th-round RB looks like a potential offensive weapon
- Several young defenders need to "finish plays" after shaky debuts
Bottom line: Don’t watch for the final score — watch for who makes the 53-man roster.
FAQ
1. Will the starters play tonight?
Probably not much. Coach Kubiak wouldn’t confirm, but since starters likely sit the final preseason game, they might get a brief "cameo" tonight — especially Cousins after his rough Tuesday practice.
2. What does "doinked a field goal" mean?
ELI5: The kick hit the yellow upright (the post) and bounced away — no points. It’s so close to being good, which makes it extra frustrating!
3. What is a "nickel cornerback"?
ELI5: A 5th defensive back who comes in for passing situations. They cover the slot receiver (the one lined up inside, near the middle of the field). It’s a specialized, high-demand role.
4. What’s the difference between the 53-man roster and the practice squad?
- 53-man roster = Active players who dress for games, get full NFL salary/benefits
- Practice squad = Up to 16 players who practice with the team but don’t play in games (unless elevated). Lower pay, but a foot in the door.
5. Why do preseason games matter if they don’t count?
ELI5: They’re like final exams for players on the roster bubble. Coaches evaluate:
- Who executes under real game pressure?
- Who improves week-to-week?
- Who can contribute on special teams (kickoffs, punts)?
- Roster spots are won and lost here.