First and foremost, my apologies as there was not a preview this past weekend prior to the game. Although it was a rivalry game, here you can read about my reasoning for going dark.

The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on Sunday wasn’t an eventful one; in fact, not a touchdown was scored. K Sebastian Janikowski had a hell of a day (especially for his fantasy owners, myself included), going 5 for 6 on the day and posting 19 or 20 points depending on which platform you play on.

K Sebastian Janikowski kicked the Oakland Raiders to their fourth win of the season & their first shutout since 2002. Photo: Tony Gonzales

Somewhat Unrelated: Some of my friends call me crazy for taking Jano so early in fantasy drafts every year, usually around the fifth or sixth round, but it is weeks like this in the regular season why I do. #11 is able to make up for where other players have lacked; this past weekend when all four of my fantasy teams were in a playoff situation is the perfect example. Yes, I did have Jano in all four and I am now heading to the fantasy finals in 3 of 4 leagues.

Speaking of fantasy, did anyone think to activate that Oakland defense in Week 15? I did in one league and it certainly paid off – 16 points as opposed to the 9 from San Fran, an all-around stronger defense and also my other option. The Raiders D was at its best on Sunday, the best I’ve seen them in quite some time. Quinn was getting pressured (finally, some pressure on a QB!) and was even sacked a few times. It seemed that every time I turned around, LB Philip Wheeler was making a great stop. Penalties were kept to a minimum and it was all hands on deck when the Chiefs were in the red zone. As a Raiders fan, I really couldn’t ask for more from the D this week.

Sure, the Raiders beat the worst team in the league – at this point in the season and after losing six in a row, I will take any W this team is willing to give me. SS Tyvon Branch was even quoted saying that Week 15 was mostly a “fan appreciation game”, being the last in the Black Hole in 2012. The Raiders will now head out on the road for their final two games, out to the east coast to face off with Carolina and then back to the west coast to take on San Diego.

We got a taste of Pryor in the first half as #6 got to lead off a single drive. Photo: Tony Gonzales

Just a quick (and singular) note for the Oakland offense: That combination of RBs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson punched the running game into high gear! Between the both of them, they racked up over 200 yards. Even without any touchdowns as rewards, that’s quite a way to go out in their last home game of the season.

To read the team’s official recap (for stats and details) written by Jerry Knaak, click here.

The sneaky Carolina offense poses as the next threat to the Silver & Black. Frankly, I cannot fathom how the Raiders will escape in tact is Newton is on. A lot of Raider Nation seems to be foaming at the mouth thinking about a possible Cam Newton/Terrelle Pryor offensive duel – mainly Raiders fans just want to see more of Pryor period. I’ll have a preview coming up on Friday or Saturday to break down what Oakland will have to do and keep on a lock during Christmas Eve Eve’s match-up.