With the bye week in the rear view mirror, the Raiders can now strictly focus on the back half of the season.
At 2-7, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the Raiders make the postseason. The trade that sent Davante Adams to the New York Jets was a clear indication of the organization understanding where they are.
That said, the players and coaches will not just punt the season. There are still games to be played, and something can certainly be said about finishing strong. Look at last season, where then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce rode a 5-4 record, including winning three of the final four games, to the full-time job.
Does such a possibility exist this time around? Let us take a look and see:
Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
In terms of draft position, this week’s game against the 3-6 Dolphins carries massive implications. Miami has some vulnerabilities that can be exposed, namely an offensive line that Maxx Crosby should be able to feast on. That said, the Dolphins have speed present throughout their lineup that will be difficult for the Raiders to keep contained, and learning a new offense poses some challenges. Combine that with a cross-country trip, and it is fair to expect a few first-game hiccups to be the cause of a narrow loss.
Prediction: Loss (2-8)
Week 12: vs Denver Broncos
With a game against Atlanta in Week 11, it is possible that the Denver Broncos could be reeling with three consecutive losses by the time they arrive in Las Vegas. The Broncos won their Week 5 clash in Denver against the Raiders 34-18, and Pierce and crew will do everything they can to prevent a sweep. The Broncos would have far more to lose here, as playoffs are still in reach for Denver with a 5-5 record currently. With a better in-game understanding on the offense and a desire to play spoiler to a hated divisional rival, the Raiders pull off an upset to snap a six-game losing streak.
Prediction: Win (3-8)
Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 13 presents a challenge, as the Raiders go to Kansas City on a short week to take on the Chiefs in a special Black Friday game. The last visit to Arrowhead Stadium was one to remember for the Raiders, upsetting the Chiefs 20-14 on Christmas Day and all but locking Pierce in as full-time head coach. The Chiefs were well-prepared when they came to Las Vegas in Week 8 and defeated the Raiders 27-20, and they have since added wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins into the fold. Even if the offense continues to baffle with its struggles, the Chiefs’ defensive dominance will prevent another miraculous finish.
Prediction: Loss (3-9)
Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No rest for the wicked here, as the Raiders make another cross-country trip to take on the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have lost four straight games so far, but their next games against the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers likely means that will not be the case by the time this matchup rolls around. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense have continued to roll, but the defense has not held an opponent under 20 points since Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. This has all the makings of a shootout, but the Bucs’ overall edge in talent on the offensive side of the ball gives them a leg up.
Prediction: Loss (3-10)
Week 15: vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will be running the gauntlet prior to their Monday night matchup against the Raiders, taking on the Broncos in Denver, the Chargers in Atlanta, and the Vikings in Minnesota before Week 15. Needless to say, the Raiders will face a battle-tested team when the Falcons come to town. Playoffs are still very much in play for the Falcons, quarterback Kirk Cousins and first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s chemistry has started to come together, and the defense has improved under first-year head coach Raheem Morris. All of this will pose significant issues for the Raiders, ultimately dropping what will likely be their final primetime game of the season.
Prediction: Loss (3-11)
Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2-8 Jaguars are one of the teams competing for the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there is a real chance that the team makes drastic changes during their Week 12 bye. Regardless of what the situation is, this game holds major implications in terms of the draft order. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence dealing with a shoulder injury, this is likely the most winnable game the Raiders have remaining on their schedule. It might not be what is best long-term, but the Raiders pull out a win and showcase good habits to build off of for next season.
Prediction: Win (4-11)
Week 17: at New Orleans Saints
The long-awaited Derek Carr revenge game. After his release following the 2022 season, Week 17 will be Carr’s first game against the Raiders since then, and he has a lot on the line. The result of the game will determine whether Carr has a victory or defeat over all 32 NFL teams, and he will do everything in his power to ensure his former team does not ensure the latter. Granted, the Saints will look different by the time this game comes around, as interim head coach Darren Rizzi is already making his mark on the team despite the lost season. A motivated Carr, a potentially reinvigorated Saints squad, and another long road trip all go against the Raiders here.
Prediction: Loss (4-12)
Week 18: vs Los Angeles Chargers
So is the Chargers’ resurgence the Raiders’ fault? Since stomping the Chargers at Allegiant Stadium last season 63-21 and prompting the firing of then-head coach Brandon Staley, the Raiders watched their rival hire Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach and establish a new identity built around an elite defense. What makes this matchup difficult to predict is the fact that the Chargers will likely have a playoff spot locked up by this time, so some of their best players might be watching this game from the sideline. If that is truly the case, the Raiders stand a chance, but the Chargers finally having a coaching staff that mostly prevents the same mistakes that have plagued previous iterations will make the difference here.
Prediction: Loss (4-13)
