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

Week 16 vs. Denver Broncos

The Raiders pass protection should jell by Christmas Eve when the Broncos come to visit. The development on the perimeter would help keep Miller and Chubb away from Carr and give him time to scan the field on deeper throws. We could see more play-action designs to test free safety Justin Simmons downfield.

It’s important for the defensive line to keep Royce Freeman, who scored three touchdowns during the preseason, out of the end zone. He’s probably going to handle the lion’s share of carries as the season progresses. The Raiders have enough in Hurst, Hall, Ellis and linebacker Marquel Lee to limit the rookie running back.

The Raiders will see better results compared to Week 2 with a cleaner pocket for Carr. The Silver and Black even the season series with the Broncos to improve to 8-7. 

Prediction: Win | Score: 23-17 | Record: 8-7

Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs

This matchup could mean the difference between an AFC Wild Card spot at 9-7 and taking a long offseason vacation for both teams.

As mentioned above, the Chiefs had an extra week to prepare for the first meeting. The season finale takes place in Arrowhead Stadium where Carr hasn’t won a game in December or January (0-4). He’s 0-5 overall against Kansas City in those months.

The Chiefs have a mistake-prone first-year starter—not a savvy veteran such as Alex Smith. However, Mahomes brings a different skill set to the field. He can take the top off a defense, and the Raiders still have average safeties in Marcus Gilchrist and Joseph on the back end.

In case of inclement weather, expect Mahomes to throw short passes to Kelce and running back Kareem Hunt in the flat. Defensively, the Raiders could limit production for both players, but Carr has to show he’s able to beat the Chiefs in December. Until that happens, there’s reason to doubt the Raiders come away with a victory in this matchup.

Prediction: Loss | Score: 23-20 | Record: 8-8