5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 14

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 02: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 02: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks to call a play as quarterback Derek Carr #4 stands on the sidelines in the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oakland Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks to call a play as quarterback Derek Carr #4 stands on the sidelines in the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oakland Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Raiders keep it close

The Raiders have battled mostly every team they have played this season, and most of their games have been close at the half. In recent weeks, they have started to look a lot better on both sides of the ball, and despite the losses, are playing competitive football.

Pittsburgh is coming West to take on the Raiders, and while that is not as hard as going East, it is still something to keep in mind. This Raiders team is playing with a purpose right now, as the veterans are trying to hang on to their roster spot, and the young players are looking to be a part of the future of the team.

Jon Gruden is going to have a solid gameplan on Sunday, and the Steelers are coming off two losses to AFC West teams. If Carr and company can protect the football, and not have costly fumbles, the Raiders should be able to at least keep this close until late inside the Oakland Coliseum.