NFL 2017: 5 Players who need to step up in Week 11

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders gets past Terrance Mitchell #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs to score a touchdown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

1. Amari Cooper

The Raiders have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season. Nothing about their team has really excelled like it did last season, and there are multiple players you can look to who need to step up. Amari Cooper is at the very top of that list. He has disappointed in almost every game this season, but has still shown those flashes of his dominance.

He has red zone target issues and he has dropping issues, but we still know he is one of the most talented play makers in the NFL. The Raiders are going up against a Patriots team that is looking their best, with a defense that cannot be abused like the beginning of the season. The Raiders need their stars to shine against them and that means Cooper needs to get back to his prime.

The play calling takes some responsibility in making sure Cooper does not disappear, but it is still on him to take advantage of the opportunities. He has made a lot of mistakes and missed on a lot of chances this season. If that starts happening against the Patriots, they will have no chance at the upset win.

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A lot more has to happen along with him, but the Raiders do not stand a chance against the Patriots if Cooper does not step up and have one of his best games of the season.

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