National power rankings released this week did not drop the Raiders despite the blockbuster trade that sent starting quarterback Kirk Cousins back to the Minnesota Vikings. Most outlets published their rankings before the deal became official, leaving Las Vegas in roughly the same position as a team that had just lost its signal-caller.
Through nine weeks, Cousins ranked second in the league with 20 passing touchdowns and fifth with 2,340 yards. However, his three interceptions in a Week 9 loss to San Francisco came while trying to overcome the Raiders' struggles in the running game and on defense, which power rankers cited as evidence the team remains a step behind true contenders.
Several outlets noted the Raiders' formula for success has collapsed. Las Vegas has topped 100 rushing yards only twice all season and managed a season-low 24 yards against the 49ers, while the defense allowed 190 rushing yards in that same game. After surrendering 414 total yards and 38 points to San Francisco, the unit ranks 32nd in yards and points allowed per game.
The focus now shifts to rookie Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to make his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle enters the matchup with the NFL's No. 1 passing defense, allowing a league-low 155.1 passing yards and 244.2 total yards per game.
Analysts suggested the Raiders are essentially where they were projected to be before a 3-0 start inflated expectations. As one ranking summary put it, the team is "still clearly a year away from having realistic aspirations of a deep playoff run," with the immediate question centering on whether the roster has enough pieces to support a rookie quarterback.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·