FILE – In this Oct. 19, 2017, file photo, Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie stands on the field before the team’s NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Oakland, Calif. Smart draft picks by McKenzie were the key for the Raiders’ transformation from a team that failed to produce a winning record for 13 years to one that won 12 games a year ago and was considered a top contender in the AFC this season. A lack of contributions from the past two draft classes are a major reason why the Raiders (4-5) have been a major disappointment this season and head into their bye week barely holding on to playoff hopes. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

By Joe Hawkes Beamon

ALAMEDA–The Oakland Raiders in the middle of a bye week the Raiders have won two of their last three games. The Raiders had a hic up when they lost in Buffalo on Oct 29th but beat Kansas City and Miami. The difference on this is that the Bills have the Raiders number it didn’t look too good in the Buffalo game. Then last week the Raiders played in Miami where the weather was warmer and the game was a lot closer in the 27-24 contest.

The game in Miami last week was a real nail biter for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and company the Dolphins came into the game 4-3 they were fighting with the Raiders for one of those playoff spots in the AFC and they just got back quarterback Jay Cutler who was out with cracked ribs. The Dolphins came out pretty tough. The Raiders have Carr who threw for a touchdown in a game that was of inches and running back Marshawn Lynch is making a comeback after sitting out the game in Buffalo. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said during the week said, “obviously we’d like to be more in the win column for sure. But our record is what it is (4-5). And our play is what it is.”

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