Oakland Raiders: Ranking 2018 games from least to most difficult

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs(8)

The Chiefs are always a tough out for the Raiders. In recent seasons, Kansas City has utterly dominated the match up, winning something like 100 out of the last 101 or something.

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For whatever reason, Kansas City is a huge mental stumbling block for Oakland.

The Chiefs are going to be in for an up and down year withPatrick Mahomestaking over for the tradedAlex Smith. And so far this preseason, Mahomes has flashed some ability and a cannon for an arm, but he’s also shown a tremendous amount of inconsistency.

If the Raiders are going to get this monkey off their collective backs, and finally figure out how to beat the Chiefs, now would be the time.

Of course, it’s not going to be easy. Kansas City went out and got speedsterSammy Watkinsto team up withTyreek HillandTravis Kelce, giving the Chiefs a nasty one-two-three receiving punch. And withKareem Huntleading a tough, powerful running game, Oakland’s defense is going to have their hands full all game long.

Let’s just hope they’re better up to the task under Paul Guenther than they ever were underKen NortonJr.

Week 12: @Baltimore Ravens(7)

This will mark the fourth time in four years that these two teams square off. The Raiders have won two of the last three, but Baltimore put a beatdown on Oakland last season, 30-17.

This will mark the first time thatMichael Crabtreewill see his old team, after being uncermoniously dumped this offseason. So, you know he’s going to want to have a big, big game. Crabtree is most definitely going to want to rub it in their faces, so look for him to try and have a big game.

Joe Flaccoalso has a fire under him, with him reportedly being upset about the drafting ofLamar Jacksonin the first round this year.

The Ravens have given him a few new weapons to work with inJohn BrownandWillie Snead, totally overhauling their receivers group.

Defensively, you know Baltimore’s going to be tough. They’re always tough. Offensively though, given that the Ravens don’t have much of a running game to speak of, and some question marks on that offensive line, the Raiders may be able to take advantage of it enough, to make four of five.

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