Week 12 at New York Jets
I can see this game being a trap for the Silver and Black. West Coast teams typically struggle on the other side of the country and an early kick-off could mean a slow start for Oakland. With players like Le’Veon Bell and Jamal Adams, the Jets have talent on the roster, so this game could be closer than each team’s record indicates.
However, New York is in a similar situation as Cincinnati where draft position might be more important than wins. Also, the Jets are 1-7 for a reason and have broken the 20 point mark once this season. If the Raiders can stay focused, the team will come home with a victory, but to quote Lee Corso: “In a close one.”
Prediction: 24-20 Raiders
Week 13 at Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: 35-20 Chiefs
It’s hard to make an argument for the Silver and Black in this game. The Chiefs will be coming off a bye week and head coach Andy Reid is 17-3 in his career with the extra week to prepare. Also, reigning MVP Pat Mahomes will be back by then, and Kansas City appears to be Derek Carr’s kryptonite.
Since 2013, Oakland has beaten its biggest rival twice and I don’t think 2019 will buck that trend. Dropping this game wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would virtually end any hopes of a division title for the Raiders.