NFL power rankings: Week 14 hump day edition

Oakland Raiders. 14. team. 28. <p>Oakland is an improved team, but the defense will continue to hold it back until better personnel is put on the field. While the Kansas City Chiefs largely won because of Derek Carr’s three interceptions, the Raiders could do nothing in the red zone against one of the worst offenses in that category. Kansas City never had to attempt a field goal, scoring four offensive touchdowns without much resistance. Oakland has the building blocks for a very nice future including a good coaching staff, but the Raiders have to add to this young core of stars if they want to make the postseason soon.</p> <p>Again, the future is bright, but Oakland must shore up its shoddy defense. Whenever Carr has a bad game – as all players do – he needs a D that can back him up.</p> <p>Week 14 will afford a good mulligan, as Oakland will face Brock Osweiler and the Denver Broncos. Time to see if Carr can peel back on the mistakes, and the defense can force an inexperienced quarterback to err.</p>. (5-7). Previous: