The Oakland Raiders proved on Sunday night that the team is eager to win and be a dominant force in the NFL. The Silver and Black defeated the Denver Broncos on primetime television 30-20 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The victory has propelled the Raiders into a serious playoff contender debate, with many analysts around the league voicing their support for the team. Running back Latavius Murray had a career day on Sunday, as he went off for 114 yards rushing, 13 receiving yards, and three rushing touchdowns.
[ |
Heading into the game, the Broncos only allowed an average of 117.4 rushing yards per game, but on Sunday they gave up a total of 218 yards rushing. The Raiders have started off the second half of the 2016 season on a strong note but are aware the work is far from done. This week the team will have its bye, but will return from the week off with a record of 7-2. The win over the Raiders division rival has helped them rise in this week's power rankings.
Here's the Week 10 Power Rankings list, brought to you by NFL Extra Points.
Current Ranking: No. 3
Previous Ranking: No. 6
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: These aren't your older brother's Raiders.
They're your father's Raiders. They're your grandpa's Raiders. These Raiders bully a team from snap to whistle and add an extra shove in for good measure.
Regardless of opponent, Jack Del Rio's team wins in the trenches. It opens holes up for Latavius Murray to burst on through. And it protects Derek Carr so well that even a pass-rushing giant such as Denver can't touch him.
Meanwhile, Del Rio's defense is curbing its big-play susceptibility. Oakland is a team to be reckoned with and one that should scare the traditional AFC powers.
Looking forward: Derek Carr and Co. get a breather. They're off duty in Week 10.
Current Ranking: No. 3
Previous Ranking: No. 6
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: 1st: Through nine weeks, the Raiders are in sole possession of first place in the AFC West for the first time since Week 12 in 2011. They missed the playoffs that season, but this year could be different.
81 percent: NFL FPI gives the Raiders an 81 percent chance of making the playoffs. The Raiders haven't made the playoffs since 2002, when they lost to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl.
[**
NFL.com**](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000735961/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-redhot-raiders-hit-the-top-five)
Current Ranking: No. 5
Previous Ranking: No. 9
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: After much haranguing on Twitter, I have indeed placed the Raiders in my top five. Actually, I was ready to put them there with a win over the Broncos -- the only question was whether they'd jump the Falcons or not. The Raiders own the better record, but they were beaten by Atlanta -- in Oakland. Both offenses are outstanding, with each quarterback being an MVP candidate. Neither team's defense has played viably enough to hoist the Lombardi, at least to this point. On that note, how does this club compare with the 1983 L.A. Raiders -- the last team in franchise history to win it all? We'll save that for next week's Power Rankings, because Derek and the boys are off this coming weekend.
Current Ranking: No. 4
Previous Ranking: No. 8
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: If Latavius Murray is going to play like he did on Sunday night, when he rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns, the Raiders' ceiling goes up. The offense looked strong and balanced against a very good defense.
Current Ranking: No. 3
Previous Ranking: No. 4
Movement: Up 1
Analysis: Making The Silver And Black Relevant Again.
Current Ranking: No. 6
Previous Ranking: No. 8
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: The Raiders went into Week 9 lacking one thing: a signature win. They got exactly that Sunday in primetime by crushing the Broncos 30-20. The Raiders looked great in all three phases as the line limited Von Miller's pass rush, allowing Derek Carr to stand comfortably in the pocket.
[**CBS Sports
**](http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-raiders-swoop-into-top-five-after-ransacking-broncos/)
Current Ranking: No. 5
Previous Ranking: No. 6
Movement: Up 1
Analysis: That big, physical offensive line can control defenses. That makes it easier on the entire team.
Current Ranking: No. 6
Previous Ranking: No. 9
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: Looks like Latavius Murray is warmed up, commanding 20-plus touches in two of the past three weeks after averaging 12.5 in first four games.