5 difference makers to watch out for in Raiders vs Bengals Wild Card Round game

The NFL's wild-card weekend begins Saturday. The Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals will play in an AFC showdown. Both teams will enter the game with a 10-7 record. The Bengals won the AFC North and are the home team, while Las Vegas must travel as the wild card team.

The Bengals offense is the seventh-highest scoring offense in the NFL. They have a favorable matchup against a defense that gave up the 26th most points per game.

Both teams have difference-makers on both sides of the ball. There are plenty of pass-rushing specialists and dynamic offensive weapons between these teams to make for a thrilling game.

But who are the players most likely to affect the outcome? These are the five most likely candidates.

Five most likely difference-makers between Bengals and Raiders wild card game

# 1 - Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow

Although Derek Carr had the best season of his pro career with the Raiders, Joe Burrow is the better quarterback entering this game. Burrow was the biggest Pro Bowl snub in the NFL and could've been an All-Pro had it not been for Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

Burrow's mental sense has caught up with his physical talent that was on display as a rookie. The second-year star knows how to read defenses better and has grown in reading through his progressions.

What makes the former number one pick scarier is that he's not afraid of clutch moments. Burrow has a swagger and determination to win that raises his ceiling, as well as those around him.

The Bengals quarterback finished with the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL at just age 25. When it comes to difference-making talent, there isn't anyone more vital in this wild-card game than Burrow.

# 2 - Darren Waller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller

Darren Waller is the most important offensive weapon on the Raiders. When he's healthy, he brings as much value to the tight-end position as Travis Kelce and George Kittle do to their respective teams.

But health has been an issue for Waller this season, who missed six games with a knee injury. Even when Waller played, he was a shell of his former self. Waller totaled just 665 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.

He made his return to the lineup in Week 18 after missing five straight games. He was held in check, catching just two passes for 22 yards on nine targets.

Waller's injury was just one of many obstacles the franchise had to overcome to make it to this point. The fact that they're in the playoffs, despite Waller's injury, amid other controversies speaks to Las Vegas' coaching staff and leadership.

Waller had been Carr's favorite target over the past two seasons, with 2,341 yards in 2020 and 2019 to show for it. The Bengals' defense is a solid unit, but their linebackers are one area Las Vegas can exploit in coverage.

That's why Waller's health is vital for the Raiders to win on the road.

Five most likely difference-makers between Bengals and Raiders wild card game

# 3 - Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase

The Raiders will have their work cut out for them trying to defend Ja'Marr Chase. Chase was surprisingly quiet against the Raiders in Week 11, catching just three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown.

But since then, Chase's production has skyrocketed, and he has established himself as one of the brightest up-and-coming stars in the NFL.

Chase was so transcendent in his rookie season that he made the second-team All-Pro list. He beat the likes of Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill to achieve this feat.

Chase has the most established chemistry with Burrow out of the Bengals wide receiver trio. Their chemistry dates back to their college days at LSU. Burrow trusts Chase to run every type of route imaginable.

His 1,455 receiving yards make him a top priority for the Raiders to cover. If Chase has a bad game, Burrow still has two-star pass-catchers in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

For the Raiders to win, they'll have to use the game plan they used in Week 10 and tweak it if necessary. Otherwise, Chase can become a household name with a superstar performance we've seen numerous times already.

# 4 - Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

The final difference-maker for the Raiders is standout defensive end, Maxx Crosby. Crosby's raw statistics may scream elite pass-rusher. However, Crosby played four games where he registered, at least, 11 quarterback pressures.

He led the NFL in pressures generated, beating out Defensive Player of the Year candidates T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett. Crosby barely missed out on being voted to the first-team All-Pro list. But he was voted into the second team.

For as improved as the Bengals are, their offensive line got worked over in the regular season. Burrow was the most frequently sacked quarterback in the NFL, being sacked 51 times.

The formula is there for Crosby to wreak havoc on tackles Riley Reiff and Jonah Williams. On the defensive side of the ball, Crosby is the player to keep an eye on the most.

# 5 - Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson

The final difference-maker to watch out for in the first wild card game of the weekend is Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson was arguably the biggest free-agent signing in the league on defense of the offseason.

The 27-year-old had a breakout season, tallying 14 sacks and three forced fumbles. Hendrickson had 11 weeks of tallying at least .5 sacks or more. Carr's offensive line allowed him to be sacked the fifth-most times in the NFL, giving Hendrickson a favorable matchup.

Hendrickson was robbed of an All-Pro selection this season, giving him a lot of motivation for the playoffs. If Sam Hubbard and Larry Ogunjobi can assist Hendrickson on the defensive line, the Bengals could find themselves victorious in the postseason for the first time since 1991.