5 things to watch as Jets face Raiders in Week 8 of 2026 NFL season

As the Jets prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, there are several key storylines to watch. First, there is the potential redemption for quarterback Geno Smith, who will be playing against the team he previously played for. Smith's former teammates at the Raiders are hoping to get one over on him, while he may have motivation to defeat his former employer for various reasons.

Second, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, drafted by the Raiders ahead of the Jets, remains on the bench despite being a top pick. His playing time could depend on an injury or a decline in the performance of veteran Kirk Cousins, who has been leading the league in passing with 16 touchdowns.

Third, the Jets have been struggling to protect the football, leading to their first two interceptions of the season. Raiders players, particularly rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses and linebacker Nakobe Dean, could be dangerous in this regard.

Fourth, both the Jets and Raiders have been having issues in the red zone. The Jets have struggled to score touchdowns from the one-yard line, while the Raiders have been vulnerable on the Rams' red zone trips, allowing a touchdown on all five of their attempts.

Lastly, Jets offensive coordinator has faced criticism for not utilizing rookie quarterback Garrett Wilson effectively. Wilson has struggled to see enough action on offense, despite having a strong performance against the Browns. The Jets will need to optimize their offense to make the most of Wilson's abilities and ensure that players like Mitchell and Sadiq have more opportunities to contribute.