5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 17

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of their NFL football game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of their NFL football game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Offense will put up points

The Raiders offensive line played very well against a tough Denver Broncos pass rush on Monday night, giving Carr the time to throw, and the running game holes to run through. That led to arguably the best offensive performance of the year by the Raiders, who will now face a very mediocre defense in Kansas City.

While the Chiefs offense has been outstanding this season, the same cannot be said for their defense, which is a real issue at this point. If the Chiefs want to be able to actually win a Super Bowl, they are going to have to get better play from that side of the ball, because playoff games are won with defense.

Carr is playing at a very high level right now, and guys like Jordy Nelson and Jared Cook should be able to make plays in the passing game. Doug Martin and Jalen Richard also figure to play big roles on Sunday, as the Raiders try to go blow-for-blow with the Chiefs electric offense.