The Raiders look to stop a three game losing streak as they head to Cincinnati to face the 5-5 Bengals. The Raiders are coming off one of the worst three game stretches in franchise history, allowing 135 points. It would be safe to say, given the way they've played, that they don't stand much of a chance on the road in the Eastern Time Zone. History has shown us that they just don't seem to be able to adjust to the earlier start time. The Bengals are on a two-game winning streak after beating the Giants and Chiefs. The Raiders will be once again without their two top running backs and Richard Seymour, but have fared well enough with Marcel Reece as the focus of the offense. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Bengals Defense
The Raiders offense has been good enough to be able to win, if they keep the turnovers to a minimum. Carson Palmer is currently third in passing yards and Marcel Reece has proven he can be a reliable weapon. The offense is currently 10th in total yards and 7th in passing yards/game. The Bengals have a good pass rush and have registered 31 sacks on the year. The main guys up front are Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson. Between them they have 15 of the team's 31 sacks. The Bengals can be run against as they are allowing 117 yards rushing/game. If the Raiders get behind early once again, expect a heavy dose of the passing game and Reece on screens.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Bengals Offense
The Raiders defense has struggled mightily to make anyone punt in the last three games. They are leaking like a sieve right now and are allowing 32 points/game on the year. The Bengals like to use a mix of the run and the pass but don't be surprised if they attack the Raiders through the air like most of the teams recently have done and found success doing. Andy Dalton has some weapons in receivers A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham, not to mention speedster Andrew Hawkins. If the Raiders are able to get some pressure on Dalton, that is going to be the best way to control the offense. They have not had much success with that this year, however, only getting 11 sacks in 10 games.
Advantage: Bengals
Special Teams
The Raiders have been fairly mediocre in the return game this year but their kickers are as solid as ever. The Bengals have a dangerous returner in Pacman Jones who has already returned a punt for a TD this year. Both kickers for the Bengals are reliable.
Advantage: Bengals
Prediction: Bengals 28, Raiders 20
Record to Date: 6-4
Raiders Offense vs. Bengals Defense
The Raiders offense has been good enough to be able to win, if they keep the turnovers to a minimum. Carson Palmer is currently third in passing yards and Marcel Reece has proven he can be a reliable weapon. The offense is currently 10th in total yards and 7th in passing yards/game. The Bengals have a good pass rush and have registered 31 sacks on the year. The main guys up front are Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson. Between them they have 15 of the team's 31 sacks. The Bengals can be run against as they are allowing 117 yards rushing/game. If the Raiders get behind early once again, expect a heavy dose of the passing game and Reece on screens.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Bengals Offense
The Raiders defense has struggled mightily to make anyone punt in the last three games. They are leaking like a sieve right now and are allowing 32 points/game on the year. The Bengals like to use a mix of the run and the pass but don't be surprised if they attack the Raiders through the air like most of the teams recently have done and found success doing. Andy Dalton has some weapons in receivers A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham, not to mention speedster Andrew Hawkins. If the Raiders are able to get some pressure on Dalton, that is going to be the best way to control the offense. They have not had much success with that this year, however, only getting 11 sacks in 10 games.
Advantage: Bengals
Special Teams
The Raiders have been fairly mediocre in the return game this year but their kickers are as solid as ever. The Bengals have a dangerous returner in Pacman Jones who has already returned a punt for a TD this year. Both kickers for the Bengals are reliable.
Advantage: Bengals
Prediction: Bengals 28, Raiders 20
Record to Date: 6-4
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