Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from the 2018 schedule release

Mid-October to Mid-November West Coast Swing 

The Raiders have a Week 7 bye, a home game against the Colts, an away game at Santa Clara and another contest at Oakland Coliseum against the Los Angeles Chargers through a four-week period. It’s a comfy local stretch with little travel, which bodes well for players starting to feel bumps and bruises on the grind.

After the trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland will enjoy extended time on the west coast in front of its fans and in front of a hostile crowd. It’s not exactly a seventh-inning stretch in baseball terms, but there’s an aspect to convenience, especially for players living in the Bay Area.

Home cooking doesn’t suggest it’s time to put efforts on cruise control. If Luck returns to action, no one should overlook the Colts. The Chargers swept the Raiders in the previous season. The battle in the Bay Area between the San Francisco 49ers and Raiders will bring out feuding fanbases in an electric environment.

The Silver and Black will enjoy familiar territory. Expect Gruden to keep his players on high alert, though. Fortunately, it’s a stretch that can rejuvenate or further pump up a squad.