Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from the 2018 schedule release

Testy December Games 

If the Raiders head into December with a legitimate shot at the postseason, they’ll certainly earn their spot. Oakland won’t see the Kansas City Chiefs until Week 13 then again in the regular-season finale.

The late meetings with the Chiefs allow quarterback Patrick Mahomes II to find his footing as a first-year starter in the league. He’ll go through highs and lows for three months before a matchup with the Raiders.

It doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to play like a polished veteran. However, Mahomes should have a stronger rapport with his receivers with a better understanding of the game.

The Raiders will have a Sunday Night Football contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who don’t have a losing season in 11 years under Mike Tomlin. They’ll compete with a plethora of offensive weapons.

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For Week 15, Oakland will play in the east coast time zone with a high probability of cold weather in Cincinnati. Say what you want about the Bengals roster, a team accustomed to playing in warm weather traveling across the country in potentially freezing temps isn’t a cakewalk.

Regardless of the Denver Broncos record, Oakland must respect a division rival in Week 16.

Essentially, the Raiders will finish the season going through five major tests with different elements at play in December. Will they perish or persevere under Gruden?