Each NFL team’s most important game in 2019

Oakland Raiders: Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Once again, there’s talk that the Silver and Black is back. And that certainly remains to be seen despite the fact that the Oakland Raiders had another very busy offseason in terms of in acquiring veteran players. Then again, 2017 proved to be a year in which the club welcome back a familiar face in head coach Jon Gruden. And then over the course of the next few months, stretching into October, the franchise parted ways with former first-round draft choices such as defensive standout Khalil Mack and talented wide receiver Amari Cooper.

It all resulted in a 4-12 finish and residence in the basement of the AFC West. This year, there are once again a slew of new faces. The free-agent additions include tackle Trent Brown, linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall and free safety Lamarcus Joyner. The Raiders also traded for seven-time Pro Bowler Antonio Brown and he and fellow wideout Tyrell Williams should provide quarterback Derek Carr with a little more firepower.

Which brings us to the team’s first meeting of the year with the reigning AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs. Gruden’s club kicks off the season on a Monday night at home against the Broncos and then hosts Andy Reid’s team six days later. But Oakland is a mere 2-10 against the Chiefs under Reid dating back to 2013. But a surprise win by the Raiders could be huge for Gruden’s newest version of the Silver and Black.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles