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

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.