Oakland Raiders Can Upset the Arizona Cardinals

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Tony Saprano on the sidelines during the fourth quarter during the game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

The 0-5 Raiders are a different team under interim head coach Tony Sparano so I expect them to beat an injury riddled Cardinals team. Even though they are ranked No. 3 against the run, the Raiders offensive line will overpower them as their passing game will open things up. And speaking of passing game, Carr threw for four scores against the Chargers’ Top-5 pass defense and the Cardinals are dead last against the pass.

I have to be concerned every time inside linebacker Miles Burris starts a game but the Cardinals don’t run the ball very well. When the did have success last week running against the Washington Redskins, it was outside but there’s no real concern there. Raiders outside linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Mack set the edge very well as opposing running backs don’t get outside on them.

The Cardinals aren’t throwing the ball the best these days either as Palmer still doesn’t look 100 percent with nerve issues. Their offensive line’s protection problems have a lot to do with that so I’m expecting a breakout game from Mack. The Cardinals seem like the perfect team for the Raiders to be able to upset on Sunday and if they play the way they did last Sunday, they’ll do it!

Just win baby!