This week the Raiders face their most daunting task of the season when they play host to the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs are dealing with off-field issues at the moment. Kareem Hunt was a big part of the Chiefs offense, but they have so many offensive weapons he will not be missed.
The run game might slow down a bit with Spencer Ware at the helm, but they have plenty of quality receivers on hand to make up for any shortfall in the run game.
The Raiders defense will need to play as one if they are to stop this electric Chiefs offense. Outside linebacker Marquel Lee has been relatively quiet in recent weeks. Registering just two solo tackles in each of his last four games. Players like him will need to lift to help the Raiders as a whole.
Most NFL defenses cannot stop this incredible Chiefs offense from scoring touchdowns. The key is to try and match them in scoring points.
The 9-2 Chiefs are coming off the bye and will be better for the rest over the last two weeks. But they are not unbeatable. Of their nine wins, they have only won three games by more than eight points.
There is a direct collation with that and how bad their defense is. They can certainly score points, but they leak plenty as well.
Jalen Richard And Jared Cook Come Into play
With the injury to Jordy Nelson and the trade of Amari Cooper, tight end Jared Cook has seen the most football this season. The numbers don’t lie, Cook has been fantastic on a losing side.
He has 47 receptions for 609 yards at an average of 12.96 per catch. Top that off with five touchdowns and Cook could get a start at tight end on most NFL teams. He and running back turned receiver Jalen Richard are setting the Raiders offense alight.
Richard, rarely used as a running back lately, has found himself as another receiving option. He has 53 receptions for 447 yards at a great average of 8.43.
Quarterback Derek Carr will need to use all the weapons in his arsenal to get past the Chiefs in this one. The Raiders have the offensive talent to push the Chiefs all the way. They will need to start hard and fast and not let up. If the Chiefs lead by two touchdowns early this will be a walk in the park.