Oakland Raiders 2016 Schedule: First glance predictions

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September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs in front of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Weeks 11-13: Raiders South

The Raiders return from the bye with much fanfare as they prepare to take on the Houston Texans in a Monday night game Mexico City, at world famous Estadio Azteca, one of the largest soccer/futbol stadiums in the world. The NFL likely chose the Raiders-Texans matchup because of the two teams’ natural connection to large Mexican-American communities in the United States; but from everything I know, the Raiders are wildly more popular in Mexico than are the Texans, and it will feel like a home game for the Raiders, perhaps even moreso than a regular home game in Oakland.

The Texans obviously have JJ Watt and a suffocating defense and were able to win the AFC South last year with a 9-7 record despite playing musical chairs at quarterback. The Texans acquired Brock Osweiler – whom the Raiders, notably Khalil Mack, got acquainted with last year – and may still be sticking with him by this point in the season. While they have some quality skill position players like Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins, they don’t have a real quarterback, at least not one who can beat the Raiders in what promises to be a very loud environment.

Prediction: Raiders 27, Texans 17.

The Raiders return home to Oakland on a short week to face the defending NFC Champion Carolina Panthers in Oakland. The Panthers last year won 15 games, plowed through the NFL playoffs, and then got completely shut down by the Broncos defense. They have one of the best defenses in football themselves, however, and Cam Newton is an ungodly talent who can do amazing things.

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The Raiders certainly have the coaching experience and the talent on the defense to maybe limit Cam Newton and his receivers, but may struggle with Carolina’s run game and in keeping Cam Newton from getting yards with his legs. The Raiders offense will have a hard time running the ball, and we could see a showdown of Cam Newton’s mobility versus Derek Carr’s arm-cannon. Look for the Raiders to lose this tough matchup, taking their first home loss of the season.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Raiders 20.

The Raiders will then go on the road to face Rex Ryan and his Buffalo Bills, in another tough eastern time zone road game. The Bills are another team with an uncertain quarterback situation, but like most Rex Ryan teams, they run the ball effectively and play great defense.

The Raiders won’t let themselves drop back to back games again, however, especially not when facing a team that will have mediocre at best quarterback play. The Raiders and Bills, both original AFL teams who used to throw the ball at each other in the 1960’s will play old school NFL ball in 2016, look for both teams to run the ball 30 times in a bitter slugfest that the Raiders will win. Prediction:

Raiders 26, Bills 19.

Weeks 11-13 record: 2-1

Overall record: 8-4

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