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NFL Arizona CardinalsOakland Raiders

Top 5 Cardinals vs. Raiders Matchups To Watch In Week 7

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Cardinals vs. Raiders: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Carson Palmer Arizona Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals head west to take on the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. The Cardinals are coming off an impressive 30-20 win over the Washington Redskins, while the Raiders are still seeking their first win of the season. With that in mind, here are the top five matchups to watch during Sunday's game between the Cardinals and Raiders.

5. LB Alex Okafor vs. OL Menelik Watson

Alex Okafor Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. LB Alex Okafor vs. OL Menelik Watson

Alex Okafor Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals linebacker Alex Okafor is coming off a breakout performance in last week's win over the Redskins. The second-year player recorded the first two sacks of his career and provided a spark to an abyssmal pass rush. Raiders offensive lineman Menelik Watson played well in his first start of the season last week against the San Diego Chargers and will be looking to lock down the starting job with another solid performance.

4. LB LaMarr Woodley vs. OL Jared Veldheer

LaMarr Woodley Raiders
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. LB LaMarr Woodley vs. OL Jared Veldheer

LaMarr Woodley Raiders
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

With just two tackles in five games, Raiders defensive end LaMarr Woodley has seriously underperformed, but the veteran is one of the team's unquestioned leaders on defense. Woodley will be lined up against Cardinals offensive lineman Jared Veldheer, who is returning to Oakland for the first time as a visitor, and is eager to perform well.

3. RB Andre Ellington vs. Raiders' Run Defense

Andre Ellington Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. RB Andre Ellington vs. Raiders' Run Defense

Andre Ellington Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals' Andre Ellington is one of the more dynamic running backs in the NFL. The second-year runner has 493 total yards and two touchdowns in five games. The Raiders rank 31st in the league in run defense at 149.8 yards per game.

2. WR Andre Holmes vs. CB Antonio Cromartie

Andre Holmes Raiders
Robert Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

2. WR Andre Holmes vs. CB Antonio Cromartie

Andre Holmes Raiders
Robert Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes has emerged as one of rookie quarterback Derek Carr's favorite targets. Since becoming a starter two weeks ago, the third-year player has recorded nine receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Holmes will primarily be lined up against Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who has been victimized by opposing offenses time and time again this season.

1. QB Carson Palmer vs. Raiders' Pass Defense

Carson Palmer Cardinals
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

1. QB Carson Palmer vs. Raiders' Pass Defense

Carson Palmer Cardinals
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer makes his return to Oakland and could be in store for a big game against his former team. The Raiders rank 22nd in the league in pass defense at 227 yards per game and are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 70.2 percent of their pass attempts.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

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