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5 NFL teams that have pleasantly surprised through Week 10

By Leigh Oleszczak

Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (20) celebrates an interception with teammates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (20) celebrates an interception with teammates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Five pleasant surprise teams in the NFL after Week 10
Las Vegas Raiders, NFL. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 28. . AFC West. Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas Raiders. 3

Pleasant NFL Surprise No. 2: Las Vegas Raiders

The AFC West has belonged to the Kansas City Chiefs for the past four years and while it’s likely going to go to them for a fifth straight year, guess who the only team to hand KC a loss to this point has been? That would be the Las Vegas Raiders, who not only beat the Chiefs in Week 5, but did so handily.

Even with that head-to-head over their long-time divisional foe, the Raiders still sit a few games back in the division, but that’s not really their goal as of now. Their goal is to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and this time to do so with Derek Carr healthy enough to play.

The Raiders run game has been to thank for their success to this point, as Josh Jacobs continues to mow down defenders with his legs. While he’s doing a lot of the work offensively, Carr is limiting his mistakes. He’s not wowing the critics with his numbers, but he’s taking care of the football and when it’s all said and done, he’s winning games. That’s what matters.

Vegas’ defense has slowly, but steadily improved as well. This team is overshadowed by the Chiefs in the division, but if they knock off the defending Super Bowl champions again this week and get the season sweep, we can officially say that the Raiders are for real in 2020.

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