NFL Week 3 includes a matchup where the 1-1 New Orleans Saints host the 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders. It's the home opener for the Saints after two road matchups to start the year, including a 24-17 win at the Baltimore Ravens last week. For the Raiders, it'll be their second consecutive road trip following last week's 26-14 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.
New Orleans has had many of the same players come up big for them in each of the first two weeks. Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, and Devaughn Vele have carried the offense in both games. Defensively, Chase Young, Kaden Elliss, and Pete Werner along with their young secondary have made key plays in crucial moments. Here are the New Orleans players who likely have to have good performances
if the Saints are to beat the Raiders in the Superdome.
Travis Etienne Jr., running back
Etienne was brought in by the Saints on a lucrative four-year contract in free agency. He was targeted to upgrade an anemic running game that ranked a lowly 28th in rushing yardage and 31st in yards per carry in 2025. So far after two games, the transaction has not panned out. The Saints have averaged just 78 rushing yards (28th) and 3 yards per carry (30th) in their two outings. Etienne has contributed just 71 rushing yards on 17 attempts while fumbling two handoffs and has caught 9 passes for only 38 yards.
New Orleans faces a Raiders defense that's allowed 201 rushing yards and 4 yards per carry through two weeks. Athletic linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean have been tremendous upgrades for Las Vegas. The Raiders also have a strong edge rusher duo of Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye. Getting Etienne and the running game going not only slows that pass rush, but should open up some play action opportunities for Tyler Shough and the receivers. Additionally, Etienne and Alvin Kamara could also be more involved in the passing game. That would lure either Dean or Walker outside of the tackle box and could nullify the blitz disruption that each linebacker is capable of causing.
Juwan Johnson, tight end
Johnson and Shough had tremendous chemistry last season that has clearly carried over into 2026. Through two games, Johnson has 7 receptions for 120 yards with 5 first downs and a score on 11 targets. Shough feels confident in Johnson along with wideouts Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele in any situation, with all three consistently making plays.
Like with using Etienne and Kamara as receivers, Johnson could force the Raiders to use Quay Walker or Nakobe Dean on him in coverage. This would loosen up the congestion against the run, especially if a linebacker follows Johnson when he lines up wide. Additionally, Johnson may also be used to chip Crosby in pass protection before breaking a short route for Shough and taking advantage of his running ability after the catch. Through two games, the Raiders have allowed a total of 8 catches for 66 yards on 11 targets to opposing tight ends. If the Saints are to defeat the Raiders, Juwan Johnson may need to match that two-game production himself.
Chase Young, edge rusher
Young had no sacks and just 1 QB hit in the season opener at the Lions, though a clear strip sack that resulted in a fumble return touchdown was overturned in blatant idiocy. Last week at the Ravens, Young came up huge with 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, and several pressures. The most disruptive pass rusher for the Saints, Young is often the key to any pressure the team forces on opposing quarterbacks.
Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has averaged 273 passing yards while beating the Saints in six of ten career meetings. When the Saints have beaten Cousins during his time with the Redskins, Vikings, and Falcons it's because they've pressured him heavily and forced turnovers. Last week, Chargers edge rushers had 1.5 sacks and 5 QB hits on Cousins. Facing the Raiders best blocker in left tackle Kolton Miller, Young needs to cause consistent chaos on the blind side of the immobile Cousins, where he typically doesn't feel pressure well.
Kaden Elliss, linebacker
In his return to New Orleans, Elliss has 15 total tackles and has made some key stops through the first two weeks. Replacing Demario Davis as the defensive play-caller and captain, Elliss has been effective as there has been very little drop-off during the transition. However, the Saints as a unit must create more big plays and perform much better against the run.
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has not yet gotten on track in the offense of new head coach Klint Kubiak. New Orleans and Elliss will be challenged to make sure that continues. Elliss has also been a very effective blitzer throughout his career. As such, he could potentially create some big plays by putting pressure right up the middle into the face of Cousins. Additionally, Elliss will also draw some coverage duties on Raiders tight end Michael Mayer for a New Orleans defense that's had trouble defending the position.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 4 Saints players who need to come up big against the Raiders
