The AFC playoff picture is muddled, with a plethora of teams in the chase. The Oakland Raiders are one of those teams, sitting at 4-4. The Raiders have a huge game in Week 10 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, a must-win if Oakland wants to improve their shot at the playoffs. Oakland is already second in the AFC West, so adding another win would be huge. Watching the Raiders on Thursday night will be a good time, especially if Jon Gruden's squad can make these bold predictions come true.
Bold Prediction #1: The Defense Logs Five Sacks
The Raiders aren't exactly known for their pass rush, but the defensive line could come up big this week. The Chargers so far field a surprisingly good offensive line. Los Angeles has allowed only 16 sacks, good for seventh in the NFL. But the Chargers could be without starting right tackle Sam Tevi. Tevi is an unreliable presence when healthy, so backup Trey Pipkins can't be much better. Oakland can also take advantage of the variety of injuries the Chargers have suffered along the interior of the offensive line. Starting center, Maurkice Pouncey is on injured reserve, along with starting left guard Forrest Lamp. The Raiders' pass-rushers have to take advantage of these plus matchups, as a win in the trenches usually equals a W in the left-hand column.
Bold Prediction #2: Josh Jacobs Tops 200 Rushing Yards
Rookie running back Josh Jacobs has been on a tear as of late. In his last four games, the Alabama product has surpassed 120 yards rushing three times. He's been nothing short of Offensive Rookie of the Year worthy for the Raiders, and the trend should continue against the Chargers. Los Angeles has been poor against the run, ranking 20th in the league. Jacobs, who's averaging a great 4.9 yards per carry, should be licking his chops. There's no doubt that coach Jon Gruden will be feeding Jacobs the ball in an effort to take advantage of a great matchup.
Bold Prediction #3: Darren Waller has More Than 150 Yards Receiving
The Raiders have a decent receiving corps, but quarterback Derek Carr has looked to his tight ends frequently in passing situations. Lead tight end Darren Waller is enjoying a breakout season as Carr's favorite target, as he already has career highs in every significant receiving category. Waller is another Oakland weapon who's been hot as of late, as he's notched 189 yards and three touchdowns in the last three games. The Chargers have been good against opposing tight ends, but they haven't faced anyone as good as Waller. If the Raiders are forced to pass, look for the big tight end to have a huge day through the air.
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