5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 11

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field after their 20-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field after their 20-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Raiders can win (if they want to)

Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals is one of the few matchups left on paper (perhaps the only matchup left) in which the Raiders have a chance at winning. Emphasis on the words “have a chance.” Ultimately it’ll be up to the Raiders to play inspired football if they really do want to get their second win of the season.

The Cardinals are 2-7 and equally struggling on offense, ranked 31st in points scored per game. Yes, the Raiders in comparison rank 30th in points scored per game, but we’ll take the stats for what their worth. Oakland has been putrid in putting points on the board, but the Cardinals have been a step worse.

Next. Raiders at Cardinals: 3 matchups to watch. dark

Do the Raiders care enough to avoid a 1-15 season? Or are they simply checked out, looking to control their destiny of adding a #1 pick type of player come April’s draft? We’ll see based on the play come Sunday, but the Raiders can win this matchup. They just need to decide for themselves if they want to.