5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 5

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: DwayneHarris #17 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after he had a long punt return against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: DwayneHarris #17 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after he had a long punt return against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Raiders win their first AFC West game

When the Raiders and Chargers battle it out, it is always going to make for exciting football, and their Week 5 matchup will be no different. Both of these teams have a chip on their shoulders this season, and neither want to fall too far behind the already 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs.

Oakland lost their AFC West opener on the road to the Denver Broncos in Week 2,  but this team is not the same as they were a couple of weeks ago. They have been getting better on both sides of the ball, and some of their younger players on the defensive line really stepped up last weekend against the Cleveland Browns.

The Raiders have to feel like their arrow is pointing in the right direction, especially after the kind of win that can bring a team together and send them on a run. If their defense plays better, and they can get some pressure on Rivers, this is a game the Raiders can win, because the Chargers defense is not going to be able to stop them for four quarters.

Schedule