Three Biggest Games: Oakland Raiders

The Silver and Black is looking forward to something of a resurgence in 2016. After spending the better part of a decade in the AFC West basement, the Raiders are finally starting to see the light. Solid quarterback development, splashy spending in free agency and a wounded division champ in Denver has Oakland set up to finally return to its fearsome form. Check out the three biggest obstacles between the Raiders and the elusive playoffs.

Week 4 at Baltimore

Oakland’s first real test as a conference competitor comes in week 4 against Baltimore. The Ravens were shocked by Derek Carr’s last-minute touchdown to steal a win on the west coast last year, several weeks before they lost the core of their roster and stumbled to a 5-11 finish. But with a complete team, Baltimore is expected to be right in the thick of things in the crowded AFC North. With a wildcard spot potentially on the line three months down the track, this is exactly the type of game neither team can afford to lose. Expect a bruising defensive battle high in sacks and pressures.

Week 11 vs. Houston

For the first time ever, the Raiders will take a home game south of the border in this historic Monday Night Football clash with the Texans. The Silver and Black boasts a huge fanbase in Mexico, meaning this game won’t simply yield a home-field advantage in name only. Oakland is already well acquainted with Houston’s new QB, Brock Osweiler. Last year, Khalil Mack recorded five sacks and a safety while the defense kept the Broncos out of their endzone en route to a 15-12 upset win at Mile High.

Week 17 at Denver

In the final week of the regular season, one of the NFL’s grandest rivalries could be rekindled with an enormous prize on the line. Every season, it feels like one division comes down to a win-and-you’re-in playoff in week 17, and this year that honor could well fall to the AFC West. But will these two teams be playing for a division crown in Denver? Perhaps the Chiefs pick up right where they left off last year and cruise to a home playoff game, leaving these two foes to battle it out for the sixth seed? It’s almost unfair that we’ll have to wait 17 weeks to find out.