For Oakland to have a chance to win, the offense is going to have to figure out a way to stay on the field and crack the 20-point mark. The Chiefs are 7-1 in their last eight, and they've scored fewer than 20 points only twice. In that same stretch, they've scored 34 or more points three times.
Derek Carr has struggled to get the offense into the end zone all season. But he's going to have to make this happen against the Kansas City defense. The running game is also going to have find some success. This has yet to happen this season, but perhaps the increased role of Latavius Murray will be enough to jump start the Oakland rushing attack.
The offense's success will also have a huge impact on the performance of the defense. The longer the offense is on the field, the more time Jamaal Charles will spend on the bench.
Still, no matter what the offense does, the Raiders defense is going to have to face Charles and find a way to contain him. Alex Smith can be efficient, but it's Charles that drives the Kansas City offense. Linebackers Khalil Mack, Miles Burris and Sio Moore are going to be primarily responsible for making this happen.
Oakland is going to have to play a nearly flawless game to defeat the efficient Chiefs. Each area of the team—offense, defense and special teams—has played well at times this season. All three are going to have to show up tonight for the Raiders to come away victorious.
Will the Raiders show up in front of a national audience? We'll find out tonight on Thursday Night Football. Keep it here for live scores and updates throughout the game. Make sure to share your thoughts and opinions on the ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
