Oakland Raiders news: Offensive line will be key for Raiders vs. Chiefs

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 4: Center Rodney Hudson No. 61 and guard Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders prepare to snap the ball in the second quarter on December 4, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 4: Center Rodney Hudson No. 61 and guard Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders prepare to snap the ball in the second quarter on December 4, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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To win on the road vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, the Oakland Raiders will need a big performance out of their offensive line. Can the Raiders get the sweep?

In their most important game of the 2017 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders will take on their arch rival in the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 14. The winner of this game emerges as a serious contender to win the AFC West, while the loser probably falls out of the playoff picture in the AFC. It’s Saturday and this is the Black Hole Roll Call.

The Raiders have found balance on offense of late thanks to great performances out of veteran running back Marshawn Lynch. Of course, a lot of the credit has to go to the big nasties blocking for him up front. It seems that the Raiders’ offensive line has gotten back to being dominate in run blocking in recent weeks.

One guy that could be back for the Raiders this week is wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper was held out from last week’s game versus the New York Giants with a concussion and an ankle injury. He has cleared concussion protocol. If his ankle is feeling alright, don’t be surprised to see Cooper out there for the Silver and Black.

Here is some of the best news you might have missed on the Raiders from Friday.

Raiders hope O-line is back to its big and nasty form against Chiefs – Jerry McDonald of The Bay Area News Group

It may be an expensive offensive line, but the Raiders’ front-five is certainly peaking at the right time. Pass protection had been this group’s forte, but it has been the run blocking up front that has been key for the Raiders the last few weeks. Hopefully that continues into Week 14 versus Kansas City.

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Raiders may get Amari Cooper back for Sunday’s game in KC – Michael Wagaman of The Associated Press via The Washington Post

Cooper is listed as questionable with an ankle injury versus the Chiefs on Sunday. He was a limited participant in practice on Friday. His availability for this game will ultimately come down to how he feels during warmups. This time last week, he was ruled out, so this is a step in the right direction.

A History Of The Raiders And Chiefs Rivalry Through The Years – Raiders.com

The Raiders and the Chiefs have one of the longest and most storied rivalries in the NFL. From their days in the AFL to present day, be sure to check out the post in the link above to find some interesting nuggets about the best rivalry in the AFC West.

Next: 5 reasons Raiders will beat Chiefs in Week 14

Kansas City Chiefs likely to be in a shootout with Raiders – Ben Almquist of KC Kingdom

With the way the Chiefs’ defense has faltered of late, it wouldn’t be shocking to see a shootout at Arrowhead on Sunday. Keep in mind that the Chiefs and Raiders combined for 61 points in their previous meeting this season. That was a Thursday Night Football game no less.