Lions vs. Raiders Monday Night Football highlights: Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has breakout game

The Detroit Lions answered the question of why a team would select a running back 12th overall in the NFL draft. 

Feed him the ball 31 times and let him do the work. 

Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had his best game as a professional, as the University of Alabama product rushed for 152 yards on 26 carries (5.8 yards per rush) and caught five passes for another 37 yards. Gibbs’ 27-yard touchdown in the third quarter propelled the Lions to victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, whose defense once again battled but could not save the team’s flailing offense, to a 26-14 victory. 

Marcus Peters supplied the Raiders with six of their points by jumping a hurried pass from Lions quarterback Jared Goff and returning it 75 yards for the touchdown to make it 16-14 earlier in the third. 

Gibbs’ toting of the rock helped the Lions dominate possession and overcome a trio of turnovers. Detroit had the ball for 39:33 and ran 81 plays to Las Vegas’ 45. The Lions outgained the Raiders by 329 yards (486-157). 

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Detroit struggled to find the end zone early and only had field goals to show for their offense. Trailing 9-0, the Raiders answered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that featured running back Josh Jacobs (15 rushes, 61 yards), who had Vegas’ lone touchdown of the game with a 3-yard score to make it 9-7. 

Before halftime, however, the Lions answered. Goff (26-for-37, 272 yards) found rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (eight catches, 57 yards) on three straight plays, including an 18-yard touchdown 27 seconds before intermission. 

Riley Patterson made his first four field goals (41, 31, 33, 52), but pushed a 26-yard chip shot wide right late in the fourth quarter. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 108 yards. 

The Raiders scored less than 20 points for the seventh time in eight tries this season. They scored 21 against the New England Patriots in a Week 6 win. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had 31 passing yards in the first half and finished 10 of 21 for 126 yards. He was sacked six times and also now leads the league with nine interceptions this season despite missing two-plus games with a concussion. 

Receiver Davante Adams — vocal in his frustration with the offense all season — had one catch for 11 yards and was targeted seven times. By the end of the fourth quarter, Adams had slammed his helmet into the bench following a missed deep connection with Garoppolo. — Chris Bumbaca

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Lions vs. Raiders highlights

Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a season-high 152 yards and a touchdown, Jared Goff threw for 272 yards with a score, as the Lions rebounded against the Raiders.

Winners and losers from Lions' MNF win over Raiders

WINNERS

Jahmyr Gibbs shines on Monday night: The rookie running back had a coming out party on national television.

Gibbs was elusive running the football and decisive with his moves as he ran by Raiders defenders for long gains.

The running back had a 27-yard touchdown run that typified his stellar game.

Gibbs rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown, and produced 189 yards from scrimmage in the victory.

The Lions gained 222 rushing yards on 43 carries in the win. Most of their rushing yards came in between the tackles.

Gibbs ran behind a stout offensive line.

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: Brown had a nice 44-yard catch and run. The Lions' No. 1 wide receiver finished with six catches for a game-high 108 receiving yards.

Lions TE Sam LaPorta finds end zone again: LaPorta had a game-high eight catches and a touchdown. He had a modest 57 receiving yards, but quarterback Jared Goff clearly trusts the rookie tight end.

LaPorta caught his fourth touchdown of the season, most among all rookie tight ends.

LaPorta did drop a potential touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Other than the drop, his night was good.

Lions roar on defense: Detroit’s defense was able to absorb three turnovers by the offense, including a pick-six.

The Lions defense held the Raiders to just 157 total yards.

Detroit’s defense only gave up one touchdown and allowed just one drive of over 70 yards.

The Lions forced the Raiders to punt five times and Las Vegas turned the ball over on downs three times.

LOSERS

Jimmy Garoppolo and the Raiders' pass offense: Garoppolo had a difficult time passing the football all game, especially to wide receivers.

Garoppolo only had three completed passes in the first half and none were to wide receivers.

The Raiders had an abysmal 31 passing yards in the first half.

Furthermore, Garoppolo’s connection with wideout Davante Adams seems to be inactive.

Adams only had one catch in the loss.

Garoppolo overthrew Adams in what would’ve been a walk-in touchdown in the fourth quarter. Adams was visibly upset after the misfire.

Adams’ frustration represented the kind of night the Raiders offense had.

Garoppolo went 10-of-21 passing for 126 yards and he had one interception. He finished with a lackluster 46.9 passer rating.

Raiders' offensive line: Garoppolo was under duress for much of the game. Per Next Gen Stats, the Lions defense had the highest quarterback pressure rate since 2018.

The Raiders QB was sacked a total of six times and he was hit an additional nine. In the fourth quarter, Garoppolo was sacked on three out of four plays. He’s going to need an ice bath back in Las Vegas.

Raiders' run defense: The Lions gashed the Raiders’ poor run defense. Las Vegas gave up 222 rushing yards on 43 carries. Detroit averaged 5.2 rushing yards per carry on the Raiders' run defense.

The Raiders entered Monday night with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. They didn’t get any better in Week 8. — Tyler Dragon

Lions miss late field goal after touchdown wiped out

The Lions almost smeared on some more points in the fourth quarter when running back Craig Reynolds scampered into the end zone for an apparent 4-yard score. But the play was called back with an offensive holding call on tackle Dan Skipper.

The Lions couldn’t claw their way back into the end zone from the 14-yard line and, on fourth-and-goal from the 8, Riley Patterson lined up for a 26-yard field goal. The kicker knocked the ball wide right and the Lions missed out on two scoring opportunities.

They still are up, though, 26-14. — Victoria Hernandez

Jimmy Garoppolo sacked three times in one series

The Raiders’ ship is sinking further and further.

Jimmy Garoppolo was sacked three times in four plays on Las Vegas' drive midway in the fourth quarter, leading to a turnover on downs.

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone was responsible for two of the sacks, including the dagger that finished the drive.

Defensive lineman Alim McNeill registered the other one. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions 26, Raiders 14: Detroit extends lead

The Lions extended their lead to 26-14 in the fourth quarter.

After forcing a Raiders punt, the Lions went on a 12-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 52-yard field goal by kicker Riley Patterson.

Patterson’s made all four of his field goal attempts in Monday night's game. — Tyler Dragon

Lions start to break away in third quarter

Despite losing a fumble on the Las Vegas 3-yard line, the Lions have been able to pull away from the Raiders and have their biggest lead of the game. They're up 23-14 at the end of the third quarter.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is having a breakout game with 22 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown in the period that ignited Ford Field. Detroit is without starter David Montgomery, who is out due to injury.

Davante Adams finally had his first catch of the game early in the quarter, but hasn’t grabbed another ball despite five targets. The Raiders have 127 yards of offense. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions 23, Raiders 14: Jahmyr Gibbs having breakout game

Jahmyr Gibbs’ breakout party in front of a national audience is going quite well. 

On his 23rd touch of the night, Gibbs streaked 27 yards toward the right pylon for a touchdown that put the Lions back up by two possessions late in the game. The run was the rookie running back’s longest of the night. Gibbs is averaging 6.1 yards per carry (19 attempts for 115 yards) and has caught all four of his targets for an additional 34 yards through the air. Three of those catches came on the first drive of the game. 

Last week in a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Gibbs had 21 total touches (11 rushes, 10 catches).

To celebrate his touchdown, Gibbs leapt into the front row, joining an excited Lions fans. — Chris Bumbaca

Raiders snag fumble recovery, stopping Lions’ potential scoring drive

The Raiders stopped another Lions offensive drive, this time by preventing a touchdown and recovering a fumble at the three-yard line.

On third-and-goal from the Las Vegas 4-yard line, Craig Reynolds lined up in the backfield, took the ball and powered forward. He was stuffed by linebacker Robert Spillane. Maxx Crosby ripped out the ball as Reynolds fell to the turf and then grabbed it as he fell into the pile of players.

The play was reviewed to see if Reynolds was down and the referees upheld the call to grant the Raiders the turnover. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions 16, Raiders 14: Marcus Peters pick-six gets Las Vegas back in game

Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters slammed the door shut on Detroit’s promising drive.

Peters read Jared Goff’s eyes and jumped a pass intended for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on Las Vegas’ 25-yard line. Peters caught the football, juked Goff and ran 75 yards down the field for the pick-six.

The pick was Peters’ first interception of the season and the second takeaway by the Raiders defense on Monday night. — Tyler Dragon

Tight rookies

Lions tight end Sam LaPorta and Raiders counterpart Michael Mayer came off the board with back-to-back second-round picks in the 2023 draft, going 34th and 35th, respectively. LaPorta — a new-age tight end whose athleticism downfield distinguishes him — has emerged as a key component of Detroit's offense, his 41 catches and four TDs pacing all rookies at his position.

Mayer is a more traditional combo tight end, comfortable both blocking and pulling down balls in traffic. He's started more slowly than LaPorta, but did crack Las Vegas' starting lineup in Week 3. Entering Monday night, Mayer had caught nine balls (on 13 targets) over the past three games, but has been held catch-less so far in Detroit. — Nate Davis

Where are the Raiders wide receivers?

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo finished the first half without completing a single pass to a wide receiver.

Raiders star wideout Davante Adams was targeted twice, but he doesn’t have a reception. Slot receiver Hunter Renfrow also was targeted twice, but doesn’t have a catch.

Garoppolo only completed three passes in the first half. Tight end Austin Hooper has two catches and running back Josh Jacobs grabbed one ball.

The Raiders have just 31 passing yards at halftime. — Tyler Dragon

Lions maintain lead at halftime

The Lions finally found the end zone at the end of the second quarter and go into the halftime break up 16-7 over the Raiders.

Jared Goff is 20-of-26 for 225 yards and the score, which he tossed to Sam LaPorta. The rookie has six catches for 44 yards.

Raiders star receiver Davante Adams has yet to register a catch and the two times Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown to him, the ball was intercepted and batted down.

Josh Jacobs is carrying the Las Vegas offense with 12 carries for 50 yards and their lone score.

Tre'von Moehrig has seven tackles for the Raiders defense as they held the Lions to field goals through most of the first half. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions 16, Raiders 7: Sam LaPorta continues on big rookie season

Sam LaPorta has quickly earned the favor of Jared Goff. 

The rookie tight end out of Iowa caught his fourth touchdown of the season — the Lions’ first of the game — with 27 seconds left in the first half. Riley Patterson’s extra point made it 16-7. 

Goff went to LaPorta on three straight plays, the third being an 18-yard touchdown play. LaPorta is up to six catches on seven targets for 44 yards. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions 9, Raiders 7: Josh Jacobs scores game's first touchdown

The Raiders offense had a difficult time moving the football on their first four possessions. But on their fifth series, they relied on running back Josh Jacobs.

The Raiders handed the football to Jacobs seven times during a 10-play 75-yard touchdown drive. Fittingly, the drive was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by the Raiders running back.

Jacobs now has 12 carries, 50 yards and a rushing TD. — Tyler Dragon

Lions 9, Raiders 0: Another field goal ... Riley Patterson fantasy owners are happy

The Detroit Lions — mostly Amon-Ra St. Brown — once again entered the red zone. Once again, Riley Patterson knocked through a field goal, as there has yet to be a touchdown through a quarter and a half. 

St. Brown had a 44-yard catch and run to start the drive and move into Raiders territory. Two plays later, Jared Goff found St. Brown again for a 24-yard gain. But it was St. Brown’s next touch — an eight-yard loss on a backward pass from Goff — that doomed the drive. Patterson ultimately knocked through a 33-yard field goal. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions 6, Raiders 0: Detroit extends lead with FG

The Lions got into the red zone for the first time on Monday, but failed to reach the end zone.

On fourth-and-goal from the Las Vegas 8-yard line, Detroit attempted to get the Raiders offsides, but instead took a delay of game penalty.

Riley Patterson lined up for the 31-yard field goal and nailed it.

Kalif Raymond had a key catch in the drive when, on third-and-eleven, he took a short pass from Jared Goff for a 14-yard gain.

The Lions are up 6-0. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions lead after first quarter

The Lions are leading after the first quarter, although perhaps by not as much as they’d hope.

Their lone score was a 44-yard field goal midway through the period and they are up 3-0.

The Raiders defense forced a fumble and a three-and-out on the Lions' other two drives.

Las Vegas’ offense hasn’t been able to turn the stops into any points and have 29 total yards. The Raiders also committed a turnover when Jimmy Garoppolo threw an interception in the end zone. The Detroit defense celebrated with the "Thriller" dance. — Victoria Hernandez

'Thriller' comes to Detroit

The Lions stayed on theme for their first turnover celebration of the game. 

Following Lions safety Kerby Joseph’s first-quarter interception of Jimmy Garropolo — the Raiders quarterback’s league-leading ninth of the season — the unit, led by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, filed into the end zone and broke into a “Thriller” group dance. 

On Halloween Eve, paying homage to the Michael Jackson hit song was fitting. More than a few members were out of sync, but they get a 6.7/10 for trying. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions, Raiders have back-to-back turnovers

The Lions and Raiders traded first quarter turnovers.

The Raiders defense forced their sixth takeaway of the year when Lions wide receiver Craig Reynolds had the football stripped from him following a 13-yard reception. Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson was credited for the forced fumble and recovery at Detroit’s 28-yard line.

On the very next play, Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw an ill-advised pass in the end zone that was picked off Lions safety Kerby Joseph.

Garoppolo has an NFL-high nine interceptions this season. — Tyler Dragon

Lions 3, Raiders 0: Opening drive leads to field goal

Quarterback Jared Goff completed four of six passes during the Lions’ 14-play, 54-yard opening drive.

The Lions got within the Raiders’ 30-yard line, but Goff’s pass near the end zone fell incomplete on third down.

On fourth down, Lions kicker Riley Patterson made a 44-yard field goal for the first score of the game. — Tyler Dragon

What time does Raiders vs. Lions start?

Kickoff for Raiders vs. Lions is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 30.

How can I watch Raiders vs. Lions?

Raiders at Lions will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

Detroit Lions debuting new uniforms on MNF

When it comes to alternate uniforms – forgettable throwbacks or gray Color Rush – the Lions have veered in pretty much the most forgettable ways. Until now. Make sure you see tonight's game at Ford Field, when Detroit will break out its new metallic “Honolulu Blue” helmets featuring their 1960s alternate logo plus two stripes – the display effectively a nice co-brand with Ford’s famous Mustang, another icon from the ‘60s. Very cool way to commemorate what’s already becoming a memorable season between the lines for the NFC North leaders, not to mention the 93-year-old franchise’s 90th year as the Lions. — Nate Davis

• Ranking NFL's alternate and throwback uniforms
• PHOTOS: Alternate and throwback uniforms worn during 2023 season

Aidan Hutchinson dons Sharkboy costume for Halloween

On Halloween eve, Aidan Hutchinson really committed to this throwback costume: Sharkboy from the 2005 cult classic "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl." The Lions' defensive end had the full gray suit and even added a black wig to look like actor Taylor Lautner.

Lautner saw the Lions' Instagram post, which referenced the movie's "Dream Dream" theme song, and expressed his appreciation for the homage.

"Sharkboys bout to have 5 sacks tonight @aidanhutch97," he said in the comments ahead of the game against the Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo. "He’s bout to send Garoppolo all the way to Planet Drool." — Victoria Hernandez

• Spider-Man, Fresh Prince and more: NFL players dress up for Halloween

Tracy Walker III struts into Ford Field as A Pimp Named Slickback

Tracy Walker III celebrated Halloween in a flashy purple suit a la A Pimp Named Slickback from the pop culture phenomenon "The Boondocks." The chain was swanging and the pants and jheri curl wig were flowing as the Lions safety strutted into Ford Field. — Victoria Hernandez

• Lions players rock Halloween costumes ahead of MNF game vs. Raiders

Kings of the prime-time jungle

The Lions are aiming for their fourth consecutive win under the lights, which would be a team record since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Detroit's current run began with their victory at Green Bay in the 2022 regular-season finale, eliminating the NFC North rival Packers from playoff contention. Tonight's game is the first the Lions have played in prime time at Ford Field since the 2018 season, when they beat the Patriots, 26-10, in Week 3. — Nate Davis

Raiders and Lions have met before on MNF, but it's been a while

The Lions and Raiders have met 13 times all-time, with the Lions holding a 7-6 series edge.

Two of those meetings have taken place on "Monday Night Football." Each, in a fun coincidence, also took place on Dec. 10.

The first took place on Dec. 10, 1984, when the Raiders won handily, 24-3, at the Pontiac Silverdome. The defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Raiders were on their way to an 11-5 finish — third in the AFC West — and playoff appearance. The Lions, meanwhile, finished that season a disappointing 4-11-1 after winning the NFC Central in 1983.

On Dec. 10, 1990, the Raiders prevailed, 38-31, at the Silverdome. This game featured four future Pro Football Hall of Fame players — Barry Sanders of the Lions, and Marcus Allen, Tim Brown and Howie Long of the Raiders — a head coach who was a Hall of Fame player — Art Shell — as well as the incomparable Bo Jackson. Sanders rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson had 129 yards and a touchdown and Allen also scored. Speedster wide receiver Willie Gault also had a big game, catching three passes for 101 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown reception.

The Raiders finished the 1990 season with a 12-4 record, winning the AFC West and advancing to the AFC championship game. Unfortunately for Jackson (and fans of football, too), the standout running back was injured in the Raiders' divisional playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals and never played football again. — Jim Reineking

Lions aim to host their first playoff game at Ford Field

The Lions are seeking to win the NFC North for the first time since its inception in 2002, which is also the year Ford Field opened in downtown Detroit. To date, the only playoff game ever held at the venue was Super Bowl 40, when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10, to cap the 2005 season. — Nate Davis

Raiders vs. Lions inactives: David Montgomery remains out

Lions running back David Montgomery continues to deal with a rib injury that has caused him to miss his second straight game. Montgomery's absence for Monday night's game was not unexpected. Montgomery had been the Lions' lead back, getting 94 carries for 385 yards and six touchdowns in five games played this season. Rookie first-round draft pick Jahmyr Gibbs is starting in Montgomery's place.

Raiders' inactive players:

• LB Divine Deablo
• QB Brian Hoyer
• K James McCourt
• CB Tyler Hall
• WR Kristian Wilkerson
• DT Byron Young
• DT Nesta Jade Silvera

Lions' inactive players:

• DL Isaiah Buggs
• CB Steven Gilmore
• OG Jonah Jackson
• RB David Montgomery
• DL Levi Onwuzurike
• C Frank Ragnow

Iron Maxx

Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby has not only established himself as one of the game’s better players at getting after the quarterback – he’s also one of the most durable. 

Since 2022, according to NextGen Stats, no defender has been on the field more than Crosby (1,426 snaps). The next player on that list is Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne (1.308). 

Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson, now in the middle of his sophomore pro campaign, is fourth on the list with 1,287 snaps played since the start of his career. — Chris Bumbaca

Generous Maxx

Maxx Crosby has also been busy in the philanthropy department lately. 

The former Eastern Michigan standout donated $1 million to his alma mater, which will name its field after him. Crosby, who starred for the Eagles from 2015-2018, made the donation with his wife Rachel, a former Eastern Michigan soccer player. 

“Without EMU, I may not have ever had the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing in the National Football League,” Crosby said in the announcement, made official on the day of his game against the Lions. 

Crosby, 26, was a fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft by the Raiders. — Chris Bumbaca

Raiders vs. Lions predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 29, Raiders 17

I think this is a great bounce-back spot for Detroit, but the question will be the margin. I’d wait for closer to game time to see the status of Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo but think the Lions should still handle this mercurial Vegas team with ease.

Tyler Dragon: Lions 30, Raiders 20

The Lions had a humbling loss to the Ravens in Week 7. The good news is the Raiders are a perfect opponent for Detroit to have a bounce-back game against. Las Vegas is 1-3 playing on the road to start the year.

Safid Deen: Lions 28, Raiders 18 

Dan Campbell’s crew suffered a tough loss to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens last week, but they have the perfect opponent coming to Detroit on Monday night. The Raiders are a mess this season (what’s new?), and the hot seat will be even hotter for Josh McDaniels after this matchup. 

Victoria Hernandez: Lions 27, Raiders 20

The Lions were straight-up embarrassed last week and will be hungry to redeem themselves on the national stage. The Raiders might have Jimmy Garoppolo back, but either way, Detroit boasts one of the best rush defenses in the league and will limit Las Vegas' options.

Jordan Mendoza: Lions 31, Raiders 17

Both teams got beat badly last week, but was anything more embarrassing than Las Vegas getting ripped apart against the Bears? Detroit gets back on track with a big offensive day on Monday night, and the defense reasserts itself against a shaky Raiders team.

Raiders vs. Lions odds

The Lions enter Monday as 8.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

Betting odds and tips for 'Monday Night Football' games

Highlighting Monday Night Football odds, the Detroit Lions are among the best bets for NFL Week 8 as home favorites. The Las Vegas Raiders are getting 7 points in the matchup, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, neither team boasts a player among those with the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. However, the Lions (+1500) have some of the best Super Bowl betting odds.

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

NFL's scariest-ever players 💀

Happy Halloween, football fans 🎃! In honor of the ghoulish holiday 👻, take a gander at the all-time great NFL players who would strike fear in any opponent. 😱

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