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Another win in Week 10 has the Raiders continuing to climb the power rankings across various websites. The Raiders find themselves all over the board with rankings as high as 10 and low as 17.
While the rankings vary among sites, there is one thing they can all agree on: Oakland is rolling and has a chance to keep things moving in the right direction with the Bengals up next in Week 11.
NFL.com
Rank: 14
Previous rank: 16
“Do you believe in the Raiders yet? Jon Gruden’s team, playing in what might have been the final prime-time game ever in Oakland, went ahead on a late touchdown drive, then made an impressive final stand on defense to secure a huge 26-24 win over the AFC West-rival Chargers. Once again, a major storyline was the standout play of Raiders general manager Mike Mayock’s sterling rookie class. Running back Josh Jacobs (picked 24th overall) put the Raiders ahead for good with an 18-yard score, defensive end Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 overall) had 2.5 sacks and defensive end Maxx Crosby (picked in the fourth round) capped a big night with a hurry and hit on Philip Rivers that led to the game-icing interception by veteran safety Karl Joseph. Oakland’s defense made life miserable for Rivers, who threw three picks and had two more wiped away by penalty. With winnable games ahead against the Bengals and Jets (who have a combined record of 2-16), the Raiders have a legit chance to make the playoffs. Knock on wood if you’re with them.”
ESPN
Rank: 17
Previous rank: 16
“If they handle their business over the next two weeks -- at home against the winless Bengals and at the 2-7 Jets -- the Raiders will go to Kansas City with a 7-4 record and first place in the AFC West on the line. Pretty heady stuff for a team that gave up 278 passing yards and four TDs to Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 28-10 win in Oakland on Sept. 15, right? Especially since Arrowhead Stadium has been such a house of horrors for Raiders QB Derek Carr, who is 0-5 in Kansas City with three TD passes and five INTs.”
Si.com
Rank: 15
Previous rank: 17
“Feel-good win in the last primetime game at the Coliseum saw Derek Carr (21-of-31, 218 yards, 1 TD) lead the Raiders down the field late for the win. They should keep the momentum rolling against the NFL’s resident pond scum next week.”
Sporting News
Rank: 12
Previous rank: 16
“The Raiders put together an impressive, complete victory against the Chargers with Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr and the defense. Turns out Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have terrific analysis brains, too, when getting a team to play and just win their way, baby.”
USA Today
Rank: 15
Previous rank: 17
“Unfair to compare rookie Clelin Ferrell and departed Khalil Mack, but let’s do it anyway. Ferrell has 3½ sacks ... Mack had four his entire rookie year.“
CBS Sports
Rank: 10
Previous rank: 15
Average rank: 14
The Raiders are far removed from being the joke of the NFL. Jon Gruden is earning the respect of many around the league and in the media for the job he has done with his team. Injuries have been a major obstacle for the Raiders. Karl Joseph was placed on IR after the Chargers game and Lamarcus Joyner’s status is unclear for Week 11.
Veteran D.J. Swearinger was signed last week to help solidify the safety position. The Raiders have two very favorable match ups in Week 11 and 12 against the winless Bengals and the two win Jets.
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