After shocking the NFL and putting the league on notice by beating the reigning, defending champions in the Kansas City Chiefs, the Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 6 with a bye, as they hope to get everyone back and healthy again.
The Raiders can use their bye week to get healthy
The Raiders enter their bye week with at 3-2 record. They currently rank second in the AFC West after having played one of the toughest schedules in the first quarter of the season.
Along the way, the Raiders have dealt with numerous injuries at key positions. Coach Jon Gruden told reporters today he is hopeful rookies Damon Arnette and Bryan Edwards can be ready to go after the bye week. He also expects guard Richie Incognito and defensive tackle Maliek Collins to return to the lineup as well.
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Silver and Black. They’ll need contributions all around should they want to clinch their first postseason berth since the 2016 season. If you recall, what helped the Raiders back in 2016 when they went 12-4 was being able to have a nearly healthy roster that allowed both sides of the ball to rest key players throughout games.
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Looking Ahead
The Raiders may be very well a team to look out for in the second half of their season. They will welcome quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 7. This will mark the first time that the Raiders play on Sunday Night Football in Vegas. However, this will not be the last time they play in primetime. They will take on the Chiefs once again on SNF in Week 11.
Las Vegas will face a very favorable schedule after their bye week. They will play only four teams that are currently over .500 on the year (Bucs, Browns, Chiefs, Colts). This also includes a stretch in which the Raiders will finish off the regular season playing three out of their final four games at home.
If the Raiders can get an aggressive Derek Carr and their pass rush can get to the quarterback, expect this team to make major noise down the line in the playoffs.
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Top Photo: D. Ross Cameron/Associated Press