5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 13

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Jared Cook No. 87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch at the one-yard line of the Kansas City Chiefs in the final moments of their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 and tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

More Carr to Cook

There’s really only been one consistent weapon that Derek Carr has relied on all season, and that’s his tight end Jared Cook. Last week Cook was the lone recipient of a touchdown catch in the loss to Baltimore, and he did so in highlight-fashion.

The Raiders will (likely) be playing from behind this game, and it’s only a matter of how big of a deficit it will get to. If that is indeed the case then Oakland will most likely defer from the ground-and-pound game and look towards the passing game against the Chiefs defense.

All receivers will need to step up, but Carr and Gruden should look towards Cook as the number one option all afternoon. He’s one of their very few matchup advantages and they’ll need to exploit that every chance that comes their way.

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