The Raiders enter this weekend with a 2-1 record, tied for second in the AFC West and one game behind the 3-0 Denver Broncos. They face a stern test in another 3-0 team in the Baltimore Ravens, and have to travel across the country to Charm City to boot.
The Ravens defense is playing fast, aggressive, and smart. They are #2 in the NFL in total defense and look somewhat like the smothering units of the Ray Lewis/Ed Reed era.
On the other hand, the Raiders offense is ranked #2 in the NFL. Derek Carr has been spectacular in the young season, and the running game has been versatile, effective, and multi-faceted.