In Week 6, the Oakland Raiders fell victim to the Kansas City Chiefs in a tough 26-10 loss at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Immediately following the defeat, it was clear that the team was eager to get the sour taste out of its mouth, and shifted its focus toward Week 7 and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Silver and Black took the field Sunday prepared to communicate, execute, and come out with a victory, which is exactly what they did.
The Raiders limited the Jaguars to 16 points, forced three turnovers, and showed that when the defense communicates they're able to succeed. This is a positive sign, but it's not where the team wants to be, and each individual is aware that the team can take it to another level.
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Here is our updated Power Rankings list, brought to you by NFL Extra Points.
Current Ranking: No. 10
Previous Ranking: No. 13
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: Last year's Raiders would've found a way to hand over a road win in Week 7.
This isn't that team. Coach Jack Del Rio's roster didn't blow the Jaguars out, but it avoided the costly error that plagues so many lesser teams. I'm impressed by that.
I'm also impressed by the protection Derek Carr has been getting. It's no small task to stand in a pocket against Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue. Carr's line bought him hours of time to throw for what feels like the seventh straight game.
It also opened some holes up for Latavius Murray. He rarely broke away from the pack, but he kept Jacksonville's defense honest. That's huge for this Raiders offense going forward.
Looking forward: Oakland's racking up those frequent flyer miles. Up next: A cross-country flight to Tampa Bay.
Current Ranking: No. 11
Previous Ranking: No. 14
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: The Raiders are still chilling at the top of the AFC West standings, but are they for real? Of the five-win teams this season, the Raiders by far have the worst point differential (plus-6). A trip to Tampa in Week 8 could help bolster that margin though.
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NFL.com**
Current Ranking: No. 11
Previous Ranking: No. 14
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: The Raiders are 4-0 on the road this season; they've only reached that mark twice in their illustrious history. Even more noteworthy: The two years Oakland pulled off being the Mad Max of the NFL, they made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game -- in 1977 and 2000. In '77, the Raiders went 5-2 on the road. Kenny Stabler was the QB for the Silver and Black then, and although he doesn't look anything like Stabler, Derek Carr's free-wheeling style of play resembles Snake's. One other note: Michael Crabtree is having himself a year. While A.J. Green's Hail Mary catch in Cincy was fortunate, this over-the-helmet sucker by Crabtree was skill.
Current Ranking: No. 9
Previous Ranking: No. 13
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: The Raiders are 4-0 in the Central and Eastern Time zones and 1-2 at home. Strange. One note: The Raiders are in a tough division and they only get seven home games. One of their "home" games is against the Texans in Mexico. Maybe they're the strange team that is much better on the road and giving away a home game doesn't matter, but having one fewer home game than the Broncos or Chiefs is not fair in what will likely be a close playoff race.
Current Ranking: No. 10
Previous Ranking: No. 13
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: Maybe they should start their home games at 10:00 a.m. PT, too.
An exclusive look at the Week 7 matchup between the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Current Ranking: No. 10
Previous Ranking: No. 13
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: The Raiders have been extremely impressive this season, but they've yet to beat a truly great team. Their upcoming schedule is fairly soft which does favor Oakland, but it could hurt them down the stretch if they're not tested by contenders. Two dates with the Broncos should be telling.
Current Ranking: No. 9
Previous Ranking: No. 13
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: The Raiders are 4-0 on the road. That's impressive for a young team.
Current Ranking: No. 11
Previous Ranking: No. 12
Movement: Up 1
Analysis: They're really taking this road warrior thing to heart, opting to spend this week in Florida between contests at Jacksonville and Tampa.
