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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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Jared Cook inches closer to 1,000 yards

It has been a strange season for the Raiders passing attack, as they went into the year with guys like Jordy Nelson and Amari Cooper atop the depth chart. Recently, Nelson is still there, but it is players like Seth Roberts and Marcell Ateman that line the rest of the depth chart at wideout, so it is a good thing the Raiders have an elite tight end.

Yes, I said it, Jared Cook is an elite tight end in this league this season, and is very close to notching 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time in his career. Cook enters the Week 15 matchup with Cincinnati sitting at 825 yards, and he should easily get to the 1,000-yard mark with three games left to play.

Cook led the Raiders in receiving yards last season as well, and is a guy the Raiders need to bring back via free agency this Summer. He has been the most consistent weapon for Derek Carr over the last two years, and on Sunday, he should have no problem getting his yards against a banged up Bengals defense.

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