Ranking the Oakland Raiders regular season games in 2019

Not Favored

Week 3: @ Minnesota Vikings

Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears (London)

Week 8: @ Houston Texans

Week 16: @ Los Angeles Chargers

Now we’re getting into the heart of this grueling Raiders schedule. On paper, every single one of these teams has a better roster than the Raiders, and it would be no surprise if they aren’t favored in any of these games. The Vikings had a disappointing 2018, but they are still a very talented team that should be better in 2019.

Two weeks later the Raiders have a showdown against the Bears in London where they will face former Raider Khalil Mack for the first time. London has never been kind to the Raiders as they were blown out both times they played there. Both the Vikings and Bears game will be significant initial tests for this revamped offense.

The Texans are an exciting team that has a ton of high-end talent but lacks great depth. However, if healthy, they have an advantage over Raiders in two crucial aspects, which are the quarterback and pass rush. Deshaun Watson is a tremendous talent that performed at a high level in 2018 despite a clown show along the offensive line. On defense, J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney rushing the passer really need no explanation. The offensive line for the Texans will be a big question mark, but until the Raiders show they’ve improved their pass rush, it’s hard to say they can exploit the matchup.

Then you have the Chargers who will most likely be in the midst of a playoff push by week 16 if healthy. We talked about them possibly losing to Oakland in week 10, but that has a lot to do with the way the schedule has broken down. Both teams have improved this offseason, but the Chargers on full rest have the advantage at almost every position talent wise.