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Game-by-game predictions: Oakland Raiders

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Cincinnati, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Jack Del Rio era starts at home against one of the better AFC teams. The key for the Raiders, who had just 22 sacks last season, is to pressure Andy Dalton. They can likely get close, but the Bengals may be too tough. Bengals 24, Raiders 16. Record: 0-1

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, Baltimore, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Raiders have their second home game, but it's against another tough AFC North foe. The Raiders are going to come out of this stretch toughened, but winless. Ravens 23, Raiders 13. Record: 0-2

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, at Cleveland, 1 p.m. ET

After two tough home games, the Raiders play a lacking team and will register their first win of the season. Raiders 24, Browns 17. Record: 1-2

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Chicago, 1 p.m. ET

The Raiders face old AFC West foe, coach John Fox, with the Bears. This could be a close game, especially if the Bears are struggling at quarterback. If the Raiders' defense starts fast, there could be an upset. But we are sticking with the home team here in a close one. Bears 17, Raiders 16. Record: 1-3

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, Denver, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Raiders are back home in their first divisional game of the year. Assuming Peyton Manning is upright, the Broncos are still a better team. Broncos 31, Raiders 20. Record: 1-4

Week 6: BYE

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Raiders come rested out of the bye and win at San Diego, where they have had recent success. Raiders 24, Chargers 21. Record: 2-4

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, NY Jets, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Jets are very beatable and the Raiders compete well at home. Raiders 24, Jets 14. Record: 3-4

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. ET

The Raiders have trouble on the road and in the Eastern Time zone. The Steelers are tough at home. Steelers 34, Raiders 17. Record: 3-5

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, Minnesota, 4:05 p.m. ET

Derek Carr vs. Teddy Bridgewater. It should be fun. I see a close one. Raiders 24, Vikings 23. Record 4-5

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Detroit, 1 p.m. ET

See Pittsburgh. The Lions are too tough. Lions 34, Raiders 21. Record: 4-6

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Tennessee, 1 p.m. ET

The Raiders should be better than the Titans, but it will be interesting to see who plays quarterback for Tennessee. Raiders 21, Titans 20. Record 5-6

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, Kansas City, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Chiefs will get the better of the Raiders in Oakland this year. Chiefs 21, Raiders 17. Record 5-7

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Denver, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Broncos will be probably be playing for something and it will be cold. Broncos 31, Raiders 16. Record: 5-8

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, Green Bay, 4:05 p.m. ET

The talented Packers will have the playoffs on their mind and Aaron Rodgers gets to play in front of friends and family. Packers 34, Raiders 20. Record: 5-9

Week 16: Thursday, Dec. 24, San Diego, 8:25 p.m. ET

Merry Christmas. The Raiders sweep the Chargers. Raiders 24, Chargers 16. Record: 6-9

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Kansas City, 1 p.m. ET

The Raiders fight, but end their season at 6-10 (doubling their 2014 win total). Chiefs 20, Raiders 16. Record: 6-10