5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 9

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Win No. 2

Incredibly, the NFL season is in Week 9, and even more incredibly, the Raiders are searching for only their second win of the season. The season got off to an ominous start with the trade of Khalil Mack, and it has only been downhill from then, as the team went from a playoff contender, to a organization in full rebuild mode.

Playing against a rival is always going to bring out the best in teams, and this could be the final Battle of the Bay, as the Raiders do not know where they are playing next season. While it is not the marquee matchup the NFL expected it to be when they scheduled it before the season, it is still two teams that hate each other, and two head coaches that need a win in the most desperate way.

Beating the 49ers on the road would only be the team’s second win of the season, but it would be a huge one in regards to getting this team some confidence moving forward. The rest of the schedule is tough, as they play a lot of teams that are likely headed to the playoffs, so they need to take advantage of the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals in the next couple of games.

Schedule