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Five observations of the Raiders 2017 schedule

By Evan Groat

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) rushes during the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) rushes during the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Brutal stretch of games to end the season

The second half of the schedule will really show what this team is made of. The Raiders will face five 2016 playoff teams over their final eight games. Just as they started the season, the Raiders will finish up on the road in three of four games. That stretch begins in Week 14 at Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City, followed by a home game against Dallas, and ending the season at Philadelphia and Los Angeles (Chargers).

The Chiefs have been Derek Carr’s kryptonite to this point in his young career. With a record of 1-5, beating Kansas City late in the season could go a long way towards winning the division.

Things won’t get any easier the following week when the Dallas Cowboys get to town in Week 15. The key to this game will be slowing down 2016 NFL rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott. The Raiders must improve against the run as they ranked 23rd in the league in 2016.

The Raiders will wrap up the 2017 campaign with road games at the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers.

They’ll want to finish the season on positive note, keeping everyone healthy down the stretch will be important as we saw how last season unfolded. I expect the Chargers to be greatly improved in 2017 and could look to play spoiler late in the year. Anytime Philip Rivers is under center, his team will have a punchers chance. Getting another key division win to end the year could prove pivotal.

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