Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from the 2018 schedule release

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to hand off the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Bay Area Bowl in Santa Clara

As mentioned above, the 49ers and Raiders face off in Santa Clara. Levi Stadium may host close to an even split in fan turnout between the two clubs. It’s an intense inter-conference rivalry that’s already gained steam on social media:

If you ask a Raiders fan, there’s no way their team loses this game. The same can be said about 49ers faithful. There’s no back down on either side.

With the Raiders on the move to Las Vegas, the matchup brings more spice to the grudge match. It’s going to feel like a proverbial steel cage confrontation between arch nemeses.

You can trace the trash talking back to the coin flip for the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. San Francisco won the toss and the higher draft priority. Ironically, both teams may target the same player in the first round. Georgia product Roquan Smith could realistically go to either team. The 49ers may pivot from Reuben Foster who’s going through the legal system. The Raiders still need help at linebacker.

On top of all this, the two teams will share the national spotlight in a Thursday Night Football contest. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman‘s return to the Raiders would put the cherry on top of the Bay Area Bowl.

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