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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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders hands off the ball to Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Jalen Richard more involved

Last week against the Ravens Jalen Richard had just two catches on four targets for 15 yards. The Raiders offense slowed down in the second half and Richard had little impact in both the running game but also the passing game, the latter being his greater value. That’ll likely change this Sunday against the Chiefs.

As is widely assumed, at some point the Chiefs will be up big on the Raiders and when that time comes Oakland will need to defer from running the ball in an attempt to make the game somewhat competitive. Richard should be used as a weapon in the passing game, as he’s generally the recipient in the check-down game.

Expect those receiving targets to increase against the Chiefs and the hope here is that the catches and yardage increase simultaneously as well.

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