5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 15

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #86 after after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #86 after after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates an interception in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates an interception in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Gareon Conley shuts down Tyler Boyd

When the Raiders made Gareon Conley their first round pick back in 2017, the expectation was that he was the most talented cornerback in the draft class. However, after sitting out most of 2017, and seeing Ohio State teammate Marshon Lattimore tear up the league, people questioned whether or not the Silver and Black made a mistake by selecting Conley.

The second-year corner got off to a tough start to 2018 as well, and his name was rumored during the trade deadline. Since then, he has become one of the better cornerbacks in the league, and it is clear that the Raiders finally have that shutdown cornerback they have been missing since Nnamdi Asomugha went to Philadelphia.

On Sunday, Conley will not have to face AJ Green, as he is on the injured reserve with a toe injury. Instead, he will be matched up against Tyler Boyd, who is having a terrific season for the Bengals, and is sitting on the brink of 1,000 receiving yards entering the Week 15 matchup. He’ll get to 1,000, as he only needs ten yards, but Conley should be able to shut him down.