The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the stories of the early portion of the NFL season as they are a surprising 3-0.
However, after beating teams with a 1-5 record in their games not against the Raiders, Las Vegas’ schedule is getting tougher. This upcoming stretch was always considered the teeth of teeth Raiders’ schedule and now with a perfect record, this is a crucial stretch that could have serious post-season implications.
Let’s dive in:
Week 4, Kansas City Chiefs at home:
The Raiders and Chiefs are
two of three unbeaten teams in the AFC and this game is one of the biggest in the NFL as October foorball hits. The Chiefs look solid as usual and this going to be a tough test.
Week 5, at New England Patriots
The Patriots are 1-2 after going to the Super Bowl last year. This game may not be as difficult as it seemed it was going to be before the season started. Quarterback Drake Maye has been a turnover machine and that could a bad matchup against the Raiders’ defense, which leads the NFL with nine takeaways. While the Patriots are struggling, this won’t be a sure thing for the Raiders. There is talent in New England and that’s a long road trip.
Week 6, Buffalo Bills at home:
The Bills is the other 3-0 AFC team. This will be a tough, tough test and a wild atmosphere. Bills Mafia travels well and this will be Buffalo’s first game in Las Vegas with fans allowed in Allegiant Stadium.
Week 7, Los Angeles Rams at home:
The Rams are a disappointing 1-2, but they’re still the Rams. This will be a massive test for the Raiders.
Week 8, at New York Jets:
The Jets are 1-2 but they actually are competitive and former Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith is actually playing decently. This will be one of the Raiders’ easiest games in this stretch, but it may not be an automatic win.
Week 9, at San Francisco 49ers:
The 49ers are 3-0 and are playing well. The only thing that can get in San Francisco’s way is its health as usual. But this game, a candidate to be finalized to Sunday Night Football, will be a challenge for Klint Kubiak’s team as he coaches against his brother, 49ers’ offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Week 10, Seattle Seahawks at home:
The defending Super Bowl champions are 2-1 and are still who they are. Kubiak’s former team will be ready for him.
Week 11, at Denver Broncos:
The Raiders’ first game against Denver ends this stretch. The Broncos are 2-1 and looks capable of making the playoffs again.
Conclusion:
Again, the next eight games was never going to be easy. But, at least, the Raiders have built a 3-0 cushion heading into it. Plus, they have the confidence that they know how to finish games.
