Each Friday this NFL season, we’re taking a quick look at the league’s most interesting team in action that weekend. This week, we’re going with the Oakland Raiders.
Why the Raiders? Because they’re finally good again. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2002, but with young franchise quarterback Derek Carr and stud receiver Amari Cooper tearing it up, the deep and talented Raiders — a team facing a potential move to Las Vegas after this season — have become the NFL’s most exciting young team. At 6-2, they share the AFC West lead with the Denver Broncos, so the second half of the season should be extremely intriguing for Raider Nation.
Why this week? Because they’re hosting those very Broncos on Sunday Night Football. And because they’re 5-0 on the road but just 1-2 at home. And because a win would give them sole possession of first place in the division entering their bye, whereas a loss would leave a sour taste in their mouths. This could be the most pivotal game of Oakland’s breakout season.
What should we expect? Honestly, probably all or nothing. Either that young offense will be taught a harsh lesson going up against Denver’s vaunted defense and the beatable Oakland D will have problems with the defending Super Bowl champions, or the Raiders will find another level in their first home appearance on Sunday Night Football in over a decade.
Put it all together and for at least one weekend, the Raiders are America’s most interesting football team.
