The Raiders head into this week on a four game losing streak and look to turn their fortunes around with a home game against the 3-8 Cleveland Browns. The Browns have played better of late, winning 2 of their last four, beating the Chargers and Steelers, while losing in OT versus the Cowboys. The Raiders will once again be without Darren McFadden and Richard Seymour. Also, don't be surprised if you see the Raiders incorporate Terrelle Pryor into some packages as he will be active for the first time this year. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Browns Defense
The Raiders will once again rely heavily on contributions from Marcel Reece in the running and passing games as they have the last three games. Carson Palmer and company will look to get things rolling early as I'm sure faster starts have been an emphasis this week in practice. They have fell behind early in most of their games this year and have found themselves in a hole they just can't climb out of. The Raiders feel like this is a game that is very winnable for them. The Browns have not won on the road yet this year but have played good defense at times this year. The problem with the Browns is much the problem with the Raiders and that is inconsistency.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Browns Offense
The Browns don't have many weapons that scare you, but they have a good rookie RB in Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden is wise beyond his rookie years. At 29, he's not your typical rookie QB. The Raiders lately have made every team they've played look like a Super Bowl contender. Owner Mark Davis's patience is wearing thin and he has expressed his displeasure to Coach Allen saying the way they've been playing is "not good enough." Many believe that Davis will give Allen and GM McKenzie more than just this year to figure things out, but his displeasure with the state of the team is worth noting. The defense must find a way to make stops and play more as a unit. Rolando McClain looks to be out the door, but no move has been made as of yet. He has not practiced with the team all last week and his playing time has diminished. Omar Gaither will take his place on the roster if he does not suit up today.
Advantage: Browns
Special Teams
The Browns have one of the most dangerous return-men in the NFL in Joshua Cribbs. He has nearly a 30 yard/return average on kickoffs and 13 yard/return average on punts. He's the all-time leader in kickoff returns for TD with 8 and has 11 total returns for TD. Phil Dawson at age 37 is still a very reliable kicker without a missed FG or PAT all year. SeaBass is turning in one of his best years as a pro with only one miss, a 64 yarder at the end of regulation.
Advantage: Browns
Prediction: Raiders 30, Browns 27
Record to Date: 7-4
Raiders Offense vs. Browns Defense
The Raiders will once again rely heavily on contributions from Marcel Reece in the running and passing games as they have the last three games. Carson Palmer and company will look to get things rolling early as I'm sure faster starts have been an emphasis this week in practice. They have fell behind early in most of their games this year and have found themselves in a hole they just can't climb out of. The Raiders feel like this is a game that is very winnable for them. The Browns have not won on the road yet this year but have played good defense at times this year. The problem with the Browns is much the problem with the Raiders and that is inconsistency.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Browns Offense
The Browns don't have many weapons that scare you, but they have a good rookie RB in Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden is wise beyond his rookie years. At 29, he's not your typical rookie QB. The Raiders lately have made every team they've played look like a Super Bowl contender. Owner Mark Davis's patience is wearing thin and he has expressed his displeasure to Coach Allen saying the way they've been playing is "not good enough." Many believe that Davis will give Allen and GM McKenzie more than just this year to figure things out, but his displeasure with the state of the team is worth noting. The defense must find a way to make stops and play more as a unit. Rolando McClain looks to be out the door, but no move has been made as of yet. He has not practiced with the team all last week and his playing time has diminished. Omar Gaither will take his place on the roster if he does not suit up today.
Advantage: Browns
Special Teams
The Browns have one of the most dangerous return-men in the NFL in Joshua Cribbs. He has nearly a 30 yard/return average on kickoffs and 13 yard/return average on punts. He's the all-time leader in kickoff returns for TD with 8 and has 11 total returns for TD. Phil Dawson at age 37 is still a very reliable kicker without a missed FG or PAT all year. SeaBass is turning in one of his best years as a pro with only one miss, a 64 yarder at the end of regulation.
Advantage: Browns
Prediction: Raiders 30, Browns 27
Record to Date: 7-4
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