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

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 9, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Week 8: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback Andrew Luck missed the entire 2017 campaign with a shoulder injury. He played in three exhibition games but didn’t look close to his 2016 form until Week 3 of the preseason.

At this point in the regular season, the rust should have worn off his arm, but he’ll need to win a shootout to claim victory in this contest.

The Indianapolis Colts flipped their roster on the defensive side of the ball and transitioned from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base alignment this year. It could take time for the players to adjust to the philosophy shift under play-caller Matt Eberflus, leading to leaks in coverage and against the run.

Luck will have tight ends Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron to challenge the linebackers and safeties, but Oakland should be able to contain T.Y. Hilton downfield with Conley and another defensive back. The Raiders will have two weeks to prepare for the Colts coming off a bye, which is more than enough time to game-plan against two pass-catching tight ends and one standout wide receiver.

Lastly, Indianapolis has too many question marks on all three levels of its defensive unit to stop what should be an improved Raiders offense.

Prediction: Win | Score: 34-27 | Record: 4-3

Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers

Don’t expect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to reach Week 9 undefeated. The streaky magic we saw at the end of last season probably wears off long before this contest. However, the Raiders go into this matchup on a short three-day rest for a Thursday night showcase.

The 49ers offense features a speedy threat in wideout Marquise Goodwin and pass-catching tight end George Kittle. They’re both equipped to carve up the middle of the Raiders defense. Expect head coach Kyle Shanahan to run underneath routes to expose potential weaknesses in a new linebacker corps. We may also see running back Matt Breida catch several passes out of the backfield as well.

There’s one player who could flip this prediction upside down. If Sherman’s Achilles’ injuries erode his game to the point he’s no longer a starting-caliber cornerback, Carr can attack the boundary opposite Ahkello Witherspoon. However, it’s not safe to bet against a three-time All-Pro who leads the league in interceptions (32) over the last seven years.

The two Bay area teams will put on a show at Levi Stadium, but the 49ers walk out victorious.

Prediction: Loss | Score: 30-28 | Record: 4-4

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