The Raiders feature the worst-ranked scoring defense in the NFL (29.9 PPG) entering their Week 16 game against the Broncos.

Analysis: Oakland has yet to hold any opponent this season to less than 20 points and has allowed a league-worst 146.4 rushing yards per game at 4.8 yards per carry. Broncos rookie RB Phillip Lindsey (5.4 YPC and nine touchdowns) is primed for a big game on Monday Night Football. Astonishingly, the Raiders have managed only 12 sacks through 14 games, which is half as many as the next-closest team and fewer than the sack totals of seven individual players. Oakland's defense hasn't been worth serious…read more

The Raiders boast the league's 28th-ranked total defense (392.2 YPG) entering Week 15.

Analysis: Oakland caught the league by surprise during last week's 24-21 win over Pittsburgh. It was only the Raiders third win of the season, but perhaps it was one of their best defensive performances of the year. While it was nice to see Jon Gruden's bunch string together a complete 60 minutes of football, Oakland is far from a defense worthy of serious consideration. This week's opponent, Cincinnati, is averaging 23.6 PPG and, even without A.J. Green (foot), still has offensive playmakers that will…read more

Oakland ranks 28th in the NFL in total defense (396.6 YPG) entering Week 14.

Analysis: It's been tough sledding for the Raiders who have struggled to adopt an identity through 12 games this season. Over their last two games, Oakland has surrendered a combined 74 points. Oddly enough, the Raiders have given up at least 20 points in every contest this season. With the Steelers on the immediate horizon, there's no reason to consider Oakland in Week 14. Better luck next year with this squad.

The Raiders allowed 416 yards during last Sunday's 34-17 loss to Baltimore. They'll take on the Chiefs in Week 13.

Analysis: Even worse, Oakland was gashed for 242 yards on the ground. In some respects, a lacking of ample film on Lamar Jackson didn't help, but Oakland officially looks lost on defense. Sunday's game against Kansas City has the makings of a potential blowout, especially with the Chiefs coming off a bye. Oakland likely has its sights set on April's draft.

The Raiders feature the 26th-ranked total defense (387.4 YPG) entering their Week 12 matchup with the Ravens.

Analysis: The Raiders also have the 30th-ranked scoring defense (29.3 PPG), although they have fared better allowing 20.5 points over the last two weeks. Oakland also has only nine sacks for the season and are near the bottom of the league with nine takeaways. The Ravens broke in rookie QB Lamar Jackson with 21 carries for 117 yards last week against the Bengals, and could take a similar run-heavy approach this week against the Raiders porous run defense, assuming Joe Flacco (hip) remains sidelined. The…read more

The Raiders enter their Week 11 matchup with Arizona as the league's 30th-ranked scoring defense (30.2 PPG).

Analysis: It's been a tough start out the gate for Jon Gruden, who has seemingly faced increased scrutiny with every decision made. For Oakland, the last two months of the season will be about building momentum for the 2019 season. With a poor pass rush and spotty secondary play, Oakland has been seemingly exposed week after week. Arizona doesn't have an intimidating offense, but David Johnson should be licking his chops when looking at this week's game film.

Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley is nursing a shoulder injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Analysis: Losers of their last four, the Raiders have struggled to find an identity of positive connotation on either side of the ball. It seems as though all of its pass rushing specialists have found new homes with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin now playing in the NFC. Sunday's divisional tilt likely won't be a diversion from recent trends considering how hot the Chargers' offense has been over the past month. With Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles has found its groove and will likely challenge…read more

Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin is dealing with a shoulder injury ahead of Thursday's game at San Francisco.

Analysis: Oakland hasn't exactly been a defensive catalyst this season as the unit ranks 26th in total defense giving up 407.4 YPG. Some owners might view the Raiders through a more opportunistic lens in Week 9 considering the opponent is no offensive juggernaut. The 49ers have dropped six consecutive games since losing franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a torn ACL. Yet, over that losing stretch the offense hasn't been as abysmal as conventional wisdom would suggest. San Francisco has eclipsed…read more

Oakland enters their Week 8 matchup with Indianapolis ranked 29th in the NFL in scoring defense (29.3 PPG).

Analysis: The one-win Raiders appear to be unraveling following management's decision to sell assets before the trade deadline. Oakland likely has more internal issues than currently advertised, but even what's presented on the surface doesn't look too good for Jon Gruden's squad. Things may not get easier Sunday against an ascending Colts offense that returned star wideout T.Y. Hilton to the lineup last week. QB Andrew Luck ranks second in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes through seven weeks and…read more

Oakland has the NFL's 30th-ranked total defense (404.4 yards per game) heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Seahawks in London.

Analysis: The Raiders have surrendered at least 20 points in each game this season and have given up 30-plus points in two of their five bouts. Suggesting the Raiders as a viable option seems like blind faith more than anything at this point. Sunday's date with Seattle will give the Raiders a chance to expose a weak offensive line, but QB Russell Wilson is a headache for defenses for a multitude of reasons. Avoid the Raiders D/ST until they give a reason for attention.

The Raiders conceded 42 points to the Browns in Week 4. They'll take on the Chargers in Week 5.

Analysis: The Raiders are fresh off their first win of the young season, but that was no thanks to the defense. Oakland has conceded at least 20 points in each of their four contests so far and is desperately attempting to figure out life after Khalil Mack. Through a quarter of the season, Jon Gruden's squad ranks 31st in scoring defense (30.8 points per game) and 27th in total defense (402.5 yards per game). The Chargers have a dynamic offense with exceptional skill position players. If the Raiders are…read more

Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: Without Irvin it's tough to envision the Raiders getting a great pass rush come Sunday. Oakland's defensive issues have reigned supreme through the team's first three contests in which Jon Gruden's defense has yielded 20-plus points in each contest thus far. Sunday's game brings about a fair share of uncertainty given there isn't much tape on Baker Mayfield so far having only played one half's work this season. Given Mayfield's quick reaction time and mobility, it's easy to see how he can cause…read more

Raiders defensive lineman P.J. Hall (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against Miami.

Analysis: Hall's available seems paramount given the Raiders pass rushing struggles through the first two contests. Khalil Mack isn't walking through the door anytime soon, so Oakland will have to get creative in how they generate defensive pressure. Jon Gruden's defense has surrendered a combined 53 points during the 0-2 start and don't expect Ryan Tannehill and company to take their foot off the gas pedal come Sunday. The Dolphins signal-caller looks like a better version of himself following his ACL…read more

Oakland defensive tackle Justin Ellis (foot) is in jeopardy of missing Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Broncos.

Analysis: Should Ellis be unable to suit up, the Raiders defensive front could be in for a long day. Khalil Mack's absence shined brightly during Week 1's loss to the Rams. Oakland has visible pass rushing problems and without Ellis those struggles seemingly won't get resolved in the short-term. Denver put up 27 points in a Week 1 win over Seattle, but newly-signed quarterback Case Keenum was somewhat unimpressive in his Broncos debut as he completed three passes to Seattle defenders in the winning…read more

Defensive tackle Treyvon Hester has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Analysis: The Raiders are coming off a fantastic performance against the Eagles in which they held them to 19 points, forced two turnovers and had five sacks, arguably their best showing of the season. The Chargers offense has scored only 20 points over the last two games and RB Melvin Gordon (ankle) is listed as questionable, which would put even more weight on QB Philip Rivers' shoulders. Overall the Oakland defense still ranks near the bottom of the league in both sacks and takeaways and hasn't put…read more

Defensive lineman Mario Edwards and Treyvon Hester have both been ruled out for Monday's game against the Eagles with ankle injuries.

Analysis: The Raiders still rank 29th in the league having forced only 12 turnovers, and ranked 22nd with 28 sacks. Oakland actually ranks near the middle of the league in yardage and points allowed, but the lack of takeaways make it difficult for them to be a viable fantasy option. Facing the Eagles without QB Carson Wentz (knee) would figure to make this a more favorable matchup -- and it does -- but QB Nick Foles has illustrated zero problem orchestrating scoring drives since taking over at signal…read more

Defensive end Mario Edwards was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys with an ankle injury.

Analysis: Starting CB David Amerson (foot) is also listed as questionable and linebacker Cory James (knee) has been placed on injury reserve. The Raiders have still only forced 11 turnovers and 26 sacks on the season, but are middle of the league in both points and total yardage. The only real upside for the Oakland defense is that over the last three games they have forced four turnovers and sacked the quarterback 12 times, but those numbers aren't exactly sustainable for a defense of this caliber over…read more

Raiders linebacker Cory James is nursing a knee injury ahead of Sunday's game against Kansas City.

Analysis: James' availability is largely up in the air at this point given his recent absence, but perhaps the time off can be looked at as a positive due to rest and recovery aspect of his injury. Either way, the Raiders will have their hands full with the Chiefs offense come Sunday. While the Chiefs have been struggling as of late, the Kansas City offense erupted despite last week's loss to the Jets. Between Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, the men in red will have playmakers all over the gridiron and…read more

Cornerback David Amerson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants with a foot injury.

Analysis: The Raiders finally got their first interception of the season in their Week 12 win over the Broncos, and now will face a depleted Giants offense helmed by QB Geno Smith. The Giants offense ranked near the bottom of the league in both scoring and yardage with Eli Manning under center, and it seems unlikely Smith is the answer to their troubles. The Raiders defense has shown little reason to trust them this season, but facing a Giants team in continual free-fall should have them as a decent…read more

The Raiders still have yet to record an interception this season, extending the NFL record to 10 games.

Analysis: The Raiders defense allows 24.7 points and 367.1 yards per game, and have forced only six turnovers this season. Oakland has a great chance to end the interception-less streak against the Broncos this week, as Denver is second-worst in the NFL with 14 interceptions and will give QB Paxton Lynch his first start of the season. Despite the favorable matchup, a league-worst pass rush (14 sacks) and the inability to force turnovers make the Raiders defense nearly impossible to trust regardless of…read more

Cornerback David Amerson is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Patriots with a foot injury.

Analysis: The Raiders defense hasn't exactly been good this season, with their 23.8 points per game and 361.1 yards per game ranking around the lower third of the league. This week they have a matchup with the Patriots in Mexico City, and it isn't comprehensive analysis to know this is a matchup to avoid. The Raiders have the fewest takeaways in the league (6) and do not have an interception through nine games (first time that has happened in NFL history!) and are tied for last in the NFL with only 13…read more