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5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 16

By Brad Weiss

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws against Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws against Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/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) /

The secondary could shine

Coming into the 2018 NFL season, one of the bigger question marks on the roster was in the defensive backfield, as nobody knew what to expect from cornerback Gareon Conley. Well, after a rough start to the year, Conley has emerged as a legitimate shutdown corner at the NFL level, and will be a focal point of this defense moving forward.

In addition to Conley, Karl Joseph was also a question mark, and like Conley, he has really stepped up this season. He is the second-highest graded defensive player on the roster this season according to Pro Football Focus, and is starting to look like an actual first round pick.

Last weekend, Erik Harris stepped up in a big way as well, giving the Raiders strong play from the other safety position. As a unit, this secondary is trending in the right direction, and against a turnover-prone quarterback in Case Keenum, they could have an opportunity to make a serious impact in the game Monday night.

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