AFC West 2019 Week 12 preview and predictions: Raiders, Broncos head East

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders breaks free on his way to scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders breaks free on his way to scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets

The Oakland Raiders are staring down a battle for first place in the AFC West, and with a win on Sunday, they would be in a tie with the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot. After this game against the New York Jets, the Raiders actually go to Kansas City with first place on the line, but nobody is overlooking the Jets.

This is a Jets team that has won two straight, and second-year quarterback Sam Darnold is playing phenomenal football once again. Remember, he was one of the highest-rated passers in football over the last four games of last season, and appears fully healthy after a bout with Mono earlier this season.

Also in the Jets favor is the fact they have the best run defense in football, and will be looking to neutralize Josh Jacobs, who is the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Despite all of this, the Raiders are just a better team than the Jets, and have come too far this season to lose to a three-win team on the road.

Next. AFC West Roundup: Raiders and Chiefs atop division. dark

The Raiders will win their fourth straight game on Sunday, and will then look ahead to a battle with the Kansas City Chiefs for first place in the AFC West. It is never easy for a West coast team to go East and come away with the victory, but there is something special about these Raiders, and they get the job done in Week 12.

Prediction: Raiders 27, Jets 21