4 bold predictions for the Giants vs. Raiders showdown in Week 9

1. Deonte Banks contains Davante Adams

Deonte Banks has lived up to the billing of being a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft:

Through eight weeks, he has held his own against some of the NFL’s best wide receivers, including the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Deebo Samuel/Brandon Aiyuk, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Waddle, Stefon Diggs, Garrett Wilson and more. In Week 9, he will have arguably his biggest test yet against All-Pro wideout Davante Adams.

Adams has struggled over the past month, being held under five receptions and 50 receiving yards in three of his last four games despite seeing seven targets per game in that span. He’s made it known that he is frustrated with his involvement (or lack thereof) in the Raiders offense and he will be on a mission to overcome his recent struggles with his new quarterback and coaching staff.

Last week against the Jets was the first time defensive coordinator Wink Martindale had Banks shadow a receiver, covering Garrett Wilson on 37 of his 38 routes. With that in mind, Banks is likely going to be shadowing Adams.

Expect Adams to be the focal point of the Raiders offensive game plan in Week 9 in their first game of the post-Josh McDaniels era, but also don’t count out Banks keeping him in check. Banks are usually closed on Sundays and that will be the case this week when he contains Adams in front of his home crowd.