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2018 NFL Power Rankings: Saints, Chiefs top conferences

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against Cleveland Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) and strong safety Damarious Randall (23) on December 30, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against Cleveland Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) and strong safety Damarious Randall (23) on December 30, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after throwing an interception during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after throwing an interception during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

28. . 4-12. Previous: . Oakland Raiders. 30. team

Recap: The Silver and Black headed east to Arrowhead Stadium looking to snap a five-game road losing streak in this longtime rivalry. Back in Week 13 at Oakland, Andy Reid’s team handed the Raiders a 40-33 loss. Running back Doug Martin ran for 100 yards on 21 carries but also had one of the club’s four turnovers. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for only 185 yards, was sacked three times, fumbled twice (1 lost) and threw a pair of interceptions – one of those returned for a first-quarter touchdown. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ defense gave up touchdown passes of 67 and 89 yards – not surprising considering they failed to record a sack in the game.

Draft Talk: The Raiders not only have three first-round picks in April – thanks to trades with the Chicago Bears (outside linebacker Khalil Mack) and the Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver Amari Cooper), the club also has an extra fifth-round selection after dealing Ryan Switzer to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s going to be a busy April.

Offseason Priorities: Will there be a new general manager in place? Where will the team play in 2019? In terms of free agency, will the Raiders retain any of their 23 potential unrestricted free agents? Regardless, the Oakland defense has been a liability for too many years and yes, the team is in desperate need of a consistent pass rush.

Next: No. 29

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