Oakland Raiders: Win-Loss predictions for each game in 2018 season

Week 5: at Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have a clear weak spot; it’s their 31st-ranked run defense from last year. Lynch should have another big game in this contest.

However, assuming defensive end Joey Bosa‘s foot injury heals five weeks into the season, play-caller Gus Bradley can pick on the weaker or both the Raiders offensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Bosa rushed 55 percent of the time from the left and 45 percent from the right. Melvin Ingram almost split even at 51 percent on the left and 49 percent on the right.

Even with a tight end or fullback to help in pass protection, it’s a tough task blocking two pass-rushers who logged double-digit sack totals last year. Secondly, the Chargers secondary still looks like one of the best in the league with Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams and Desmond King at cornerback. The front office also added first-round safety Derwin James in this year’s draft.

The Raiders fall in a close loss in Week 5.

Prediction: Loss | Score: 26-20 | Record: 2-3

Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks (in London)

Safety Earl Thomas ended his holdout Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, but head coach Pete Carroll’s defense still lost safety Kam Chancellor who isn’t cleared to play, defensive end Michael Bennett and cornerback Richard Sherman.

The Seahawks defense will take a step backward this year. Secondly, quarterback Russell Wilson lost two pass-catchers, tight end Jimmy Graham and wideout Paul Richardson, in free agency; they combined for 16 touchdowns in 2017.

Wideout Jordy Nelson, who’s a sure-handed pass-catcher could dominate this contest in the red zone as Cooper battles with cornerback Shaquill Griffin on the boundary. The Seahawks won’t put up enough points to keep up with the Raiders in London.

Oakland improves to 3-3 going into their Week 7 bye.

Prediction: Win | Score: 27-17 | Record: 3-3