Raiders win and stay in the hunt
This is more of two bold predictions bottled into one, but a win on Sunday (and some additional help) could give Oakland a big boost in the playoff race. For one, the Titans are just ahead of the Raiders in the race for the final Wild Card spot. Both teams are currently on the outside looking in.
Beating the Titans gives the Raiders a momentarily leg up in the hunt for the final sixth seed, but they’ll also get some help from an unlikely ally (for the week at least). The Chiefs travel to face the New England Patriots, and a Patriots win would help the Raiders case for a shot at the division. After last week’s performance, expect New England to properly bounce back at home.
It’s strength versus strength in that matchup, but the Patriots defense, at home, should be up to the task against the Chiefs and expect Tom Brady to play more consistently against a suspect Kansas City defense. Oakland wins at home and gets some help from the enemy of their divisional rival.