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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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(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Week 14: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Prepare for a score-a-thon in Week 14. Melvin put the clamps on wideout Antonio Brown last season, allowing just two catches for 42 yards, but the Steelers can put up points in a variety of ways and their offensive unit features quality depth.

Barring injury or a trade, Bell will line up behind an offensive line with two multi-time All-Pros and a Pro Bowler all in their primes. If Melvin limits Brown in the aerial attack again, keep an eye on JuJu Smith-Schuster, who led all first-year wide receivers in yards (917) last season. Rookie second-rounder James Washington also flashed during the preseason with seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers also fielded a top-eight scoring defense in 2017. According to Triblive.com reporter Chris Adamski, defensive coordinator Keith Butler may use the dollar package, featuring seven defensive backs, to compensate for the loss of linebacker Ryan Shazier‘s pass coverage in the middle of the defense.

The Raiders won’t have a clear weakness to attack in this contest, but they must score in bunches to stay competitive. It’s a tough task for any team to keep up with the Steelers on the scoreboard. Oakland drops below .500 with a third consecutive loss.

Prediction: Loss | Score: 35-24 | Record: 6-7

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals

The Raiders AFC North battles end in Cincinnati. On paper, the Bengals have enough talent to surprise teams in 2018. The defense features four viable pass-rushers in Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, Carl Lawson and Michael Johnson.

Guenther spent four seasons with the Bengals; his familiarity with their talented defense could become the key to victory in this matchup. He’s also watched quarterback Andy Dalton at practices and should have a viable plan to frustrate him in the pocket.

Hurst and Hall could rack up multiple sacks against rookie center Billy Price and two average guards in Trey Hopkins and Clint Boling. Aside from wideout A.J. Green, the Bengals don’t have a solid No. 2 option behind him to dilute the Raiders pass coverage. Oakland’s defensive line will limit running back Joe Mixon in the backfield and take the victory. 

Prediction: Win | Score: 26-21 | Record: 7-7

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