Las Vegas Raiders: 5 challenges team could face in 2020

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders runs the offense against the Denver Broncos int he second quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders runs the offense against the Denver Broncos int he second quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints congratulates Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders after the Raiders defeated the Saints 35-34 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints congratulates Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders after the Raiders defeated the Saints 35-34 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 challenges team could face in 2020

Stumbling out of the gate

Las Vegas’ bye falls in Week 6, and the argument can be made that starting strong out of the gate can make or break the Raiders season. In the first five weeks, the Raiders face the new-look Panthers, Drew Brees and the stacked Saints offense, the Patriots with Cam Newton, the Bills, and their respectable defense, and finally the reigning champion Chiefs.

The likelihood of going undefeated in the first five games is slim, but a few upsets here and there can put Las Vegas in prime position to make a run once they come back from their bye. Or…a rough start out the stretch could leave the Raiders way behind in a run for a playoff spot.

Next. Las Vegas Raiders: 6 Free agents that could compete for starting jobs. dark

Ultimately, Jon Gruden has to have his team ready out the gate as if they were trying to make a playoff push down the stretch, having that mindset will be crucial. Teams can get hot down the stretch, but Las Vegas shouldn’t want to take the chance. Start out strong, and then finish strong.