Raiders vs. Browns NFL Week 13 Preview

The Oakland Raiders are in desperate need of a win and they could get one this week when they play host to the Cleveland Browns. It won’t be an easy game, but if Oakland’s going to win they’ll need to take advantage of where they have the edge.

Quarterback: We all know the Raiders’ offense runs through Carson Palmer and he has had an excellent season for the most part. Brandon Weeden is still a rookie and making a lot of rookie mistakes. Advantage: Oakland

Running Back: You have to give a lot of credit to Marcel Reece for how he’s performed as the starting halfback. However, Trent Richardson will be a stud in this league for a long time. Advantage: Cleveland

Wide Receiver and Tight End: There’s actually a team with a worse receiving corps than Oakland’s and it belongs to Cleveland. Advantage: Oakland

Offensive Line: The Raiders’ offensive line has been a mess, but so has the Browns’ line. Both teams have trouble protecting the quarterback, but Cleveland is a little bit better on the ground. Advantage: Cleveland

Defensive Line: Cleveland doesn’t have a dominating defensive lineman, but they have a lot of good ones. Oakland’s line has been pathetic of late. Advantage: Cleveland

Linebackers: This is when the depth of the Raiders’ linebacking corps is tested. Not having Rolando McClain will put a lot of pressure on Philip Wheeler and Miles Burris. You also need to look out for Cleveland’s D’Qwell Jackson.  Advantage: Cleveland

Secondary: Can we just agree the Raiders’ defensive backfield is terrible? Also the Browns have Joe Haden, who has been great for them in coverage. Advantage: Cleveland

Specialists: Oakland’s special teams is one of the best in the league, but Cleveland does have Phil Dawson. So many tough decisions. Advantage: Oakland

Coach: There is a difference in these 3-8 teams, one is trending upwards and the other one is trending downwards. Pat Shurmur has proven himself as a coach who can get a lot out of his players. Advantage: Cleveland

The division and all playoff hopes are out the window, so Oakland might as well play for pride.