Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:
- Average ranking: 12.8 (13th)
- Best ranking: 5th (USA Today)
- Worst ranking: 17th (CBS Sports)
Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.
The Athletic -- Rank: 14
I am buying into this team more than EPR is. The Chiefs entered Week 5 with the most efficient pass defense in the NFL. Derek Carr and Jon Gruden shredded them for 347 passing yards and six completions of 20-plus yards. Carr averaged 11.2 YPA -- the highest average in a single game in his career. Henry Ruggs had a brilliant big-boy contested catch for 46 yards and then later got free for a 72-yard touchdown. Gruden's play-call and design get credit on Nelson Agholor's 59-yard TD. And how about the normally conservative Gruden going for it on fourth-and-1 instead of settling for a field goal with the game tied late in the third quarter? The defense came up big also, holding the Chiefs to two first downs and no points on their first four drives of the second half. This was no fluke. The offense has been efficient since the start of last season. If the defense can continue to improve and just be mediocre, this team has a great chance of making the playoffs.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 17
Give props to the Raiders for winning a big division road game at Kansas City. Derek Carr played well, and the offense is fun to watch. But the defense will be what decides how far they go.
USA Today -- Rank: 5
With QB Derek Carr finally enabled to strike deep downfield, this offense has morphed into quite a pick-your-poison dilemma for opponents. Notching first win at Arrowhead since 2012 garners them plenty of deserved credit.
ESPN -- Rank: 15
Biggest weakness: Turnover differential
As in, the Raiders need to stop giving the ball away and start taking it away more. With a minus-4 turnover differential, the Raiders were tied for 25th in that department entering Monday night with seven giveaways (6 fumbles lost, 1 interception) and three takeaways (0 fumbles recovered, 3 INTs). Creating a turnover at just the right time can turn a game, as evidenced by Jeff Heath's pick of Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' upset win at Kansas City on Sunday. Easier said than done, but necessary. -- Paul Gutierrez
As in, the Raiders need to stop giving the ball away and start taking it away more. With a minus-4 turnover differential, the Raiders were tied for 25th in that department entering Monday night with seven giveaways (6 fumbles lost, 1 interception) and three takeaways (0 fumbles recovered, 3 INTs). Creating a turnover at just the right time can turn a game, as evidenced by Jeff Heath's pick of Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' upset win at Kansas City on Sunday. Easier said than done, but necessary. -- Paul Gutierrez
NFL.com -- Rank: 13
A perfect day for the Raiders. Derek Carr and Henry Ruggs III teamed up to torch the Chiefs' defense. Meanwhile, Las Vegas' defense pestered and confused Patrick Mahomes in a stunning second-half effort. The end result was a 40-32 win at Arrowhead, the Raiders' first victory at Kansas City in eight years. Suddenly, the Raiders look like a team that can beat anyone when things are going right. Carr deserves special attention: The quarterback, often criticized for his conservative play, threw touchdown passes of 72 and 59 yards. He led the Vegas offense with poise and precision. His fourth-and-1 sneak near midfield allowed the Raiders to run out the clock and keep Mahomes pinned to the sideline. This one was for the haters.
Previous update: Las Vegas Raiders Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup
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