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 – DECEMBER 02: Marcell Ateman #88 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after a nine-yard touchdown catch 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: Marcell Ateman #88 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after a nine-yard touchdown catch 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)

The Raiders get the W

The Oakland Raiders have not won back-to-back games all season long, but they have a real opportunity to get that done this Sunday when they go visit the Cincinnati Bengals. Oakland is playing their best football on the offensive side of the ball as of late, and the defense has some pieces who can really get the job done as well.

Cincinnati is very banged up heading into this matchup, and the Raiders have the players who can take advantage of that. Derek Carr is going to go off against this secondary, who will likely be without Dre Kirkpatrick, and star linebacker Vontaze Burfict has already been ruled out.

Despite the Silver and Black being listed as 3.5-point underdogs on the road, I like for them to go East and actually beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The bottom line is, the Raiders have more talent on both sides of the ball, and if they defense continues to step up, they should win this one by at least three.

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