Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals: 5 takeaways from Week 15

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals hugs head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders after the end of the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oakland defeated Cincinnati 30-16. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

With the second pick…

The Raiders left Paul Brown stadium with their 11th loss of the season, and had all situations played out normally they’d be sitting here today wondering who to select at number three in April’s NFL draft. But instead they were given a gift from their Bay Area neighbor.

The San Francisco 49ers picked up an upset win against their division rival Seattle Seahawks, 26-23 in overtime. The win was San Francisco’s fourth of the season and it effectively relinquished their hold on the number two pick (currently they’d pick fourth in the Spring).

Next. Raiders at Bengals: 3 things learned. dark

These next two games will be interesting for Oakland no doubt. Chances are the Arizona Cardinals will lose their final two games and end up picking first overall, but the Raiders essentially control their own destiny come April. Do they want another win in what could be their final game played at the Coliseum? That’d be a great taste of victory for the fans, but will they accept the opportunity cost of a lower pick in the draft? It remains to be seen these next two weeks to close out the season.

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