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Raiders at Steelers: Game preview and prediction

By Matt Verderame

Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jets 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jets 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Raiders are traveling to Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon hoping to get their fifth win of the season. Oakland has been one of the more surprising teams in the National Football League, racking up a 4-3 record under first-year head coach Jack Del Rio.

The Raiders are led by second-year quarterback Derek Carr, who is on pace to throw for 4,000 yards. Carr has a pair of prolific wide receivers in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, both brought in by general manager Reggie McKenzie this offseason. Oakland has been able to blow out its last two opponents, knocking off the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets.

Pittsburgh will be motivated, desperately in need of a win. The Steelers are 4-4 and trying to snap a two-game losing streak. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has to be at his best, going against an improving secondary led by the ageless Charles Woodson. Roethlisberger will look to hit tight end Heath Miller down the seam and receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant on the perimeter.

The winner of this contest will have a key win in the race for an AFC wild card spot, and also hold a massive tiebreaker. Pittsburgh has already lost in a head-to-head matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, so they could really use a tiebreaker in their corner.

Pick: Pittsburgh 30, Oakland 24

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