The Raiders head to Seattle in search of their first victory of the season in one of the more difficult places to play. There shouldn't be any doubt to the outcome of this one. Expect the Seahawks to control both sides of the ball and come away with an easy victory. Coming into the game at 4-3, the Seahawks will not take this game for granted, with hopes of getting on a roll and gaining control of the division. The Raiders realize that this is not the preseason and fully expect this game to be played differently than their matchup a couple of months ago when the Raiders completely dominated most of the game. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict the winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Seahawks Defense
The Raiders are still looking for consistency in the running game and the passing game as they have yet to put together a complete game. Only once have they scored more than 14 points in a game this season and that doesn't look likely that they'll break 14 today either. The Seahawks defense has been more inconsistent this year but are still fully capable of completely shutting down the Raiders this week. Derek Carr will still come after Richard Sherman if there is one-on-one coverage on the outside. He has been fearless through the first half of the season and for the most part has not been burned by it. If they get behind early, it will be a recipe for disaster by having to rely heavily on the passing game. Ideally they would like their splits to be more 50/50 run to pass and if they get behind early, they will have to abandon that game plan.
Advantage: Seahawks
Raiders Defense vs. Seahawks Offense
The Seahawks feature a heavy dose of the running game with Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. The Raiders, on the other hand, have struggled to stop the run this year. This will be the emphasis for the Seahawks' plan of attack. With the emergence of Khalil Mack as a force in the running game and success overall against the run the last couple of weeks, this will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on.
Advantage: Seahawks
Special Teams
The Raiders have not had many explosive plays on special teams yet this year, neither has the Seahawks. Don't expect this area to influence the outcome of the game. Both punters are middle of the road and both kickers are above average. With the Seahawks being at home, i give the edge to Seattle.
Advantage: Seahawks
Prediction: Seahawks 30, Raiders 13
Record to Date: 5-2
Raiders Offense vs. Seahawks Defense
The Raiders are still looking for consistency in the running game and the passing game as they have yet to put together a complete game. Only once have they scored more than 14 points in a game this season and that doesn't look likely that they'll break 14 today either. The Seahawks defense has been more inconsistent this year but are still fully capable of completely shutting down the Raiders this week. Derek Carr will still come after Richard Sherman if there is one-on-one coverage on the outside. He has been fearless through the first half of the season and for the most part has not been burned by it. If they get behind early, it will be a recipe for disaster by having to rely heavily on the passing game. Ideally they would like their splits to be more 50/50 run to pass and if they get behind early, they will have to abandon that game plan.
Advantage: Seahawks
Raiders Defense vs. Seahawks Offense
The Seahawks feature a heavy dose of the running game with Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. The Raiders, on the other hand, have struggled to stop the run this year. This will be the emphasis for the Seahawks' plan of attack. With the emergence of Khalil Mack as a force in the running game and success overall against the run the last couple of weeks, this will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on.
Advantage: Seahawks
Special Teams
The Raiders have not had many explosive plays on special teams yet this year, neither has the Seahawks. Don't expect this area to influence the outcome of the game. Both punters are middle of the road and both kickers are above average. With the Seahawks being at home, i give the edge to Seattle.
Advantage: Seahawks
Prediction: Seahawks 30, Raiders 13
Record to Date: 5-2
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