Fansided

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 7

By Mike Phillips

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders (not pictured) rushes in his team’s third try during the match between the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders (not pictured) rushes in his team’s third try during the match between the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /

3. Oakland Raiders

The Bay Area seems to be the home of the NFL’s surprise teams this season. While the San Francisco 49ers have shocked the NFL world by racing to a 5-0 start, the bigger stunner may be the fact that the Oakland Raiders are in second place in the AFC West.

The Raiders looked to be in trouble after a 1-2 start, but responded with resounding wins at the Indianapolis Colts and over the Chicago Bears in London. The distractions of Antonio Brown (and to a lesser degree Vontaze Burfict) have been removed from the locker room, allowing the Raiders to focus on playing winning football.

The effort against the Bears in London was truly special as the Raiders saw Josh Jacobs assert his will on the contest early, racking up 123 yards on 26 carries and pounding in two touchdowns. The transformation of the Raiders back into a power running team has paid massive dividends for Derek Carr, who doesn’t have to carry the load by himself anymore and can focus on finding the open receiver.

The Raiders are coming off a bye this week and face a massive test as they head to Lambeau Field for a showdown with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have emerged as NFC North favorites behind a rebuilt defense and the continued brilliance of legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The extra rest should help the Raiders prepare for this game against the Packers, and Green Bay may be without Davante Adams again as he continues to deal with a nasty case of turf toe. Unlike the other teams on this list, the Raiders are not coming off a loss, but a win here at Lambeau could solidify them as a major playoff threat in the AFC.

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