NFL Predictions: Week 6 Picks and Hot Takes From Around the NFL

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS

Sneaky exciting, this AFC West clash might just present the most intriguing game of the weekend. With the Chiefs heading on the road after their bye, one could argue that this is one of the more crucial games on their 2016 schedule. Already with two losses to their record, a loss against the division leader would be a huge blow to their chances to not only contend for the division title, but a hit in the AFC Wild Card race, as well. Spencer Ware has been a welcomed addition, but will he be enough to out-match what Oakland has to offer on Sunday afternoon?

Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 36-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 36-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The line has this game as a pick’em, and perhaps if you view this game from the bigger picture, that makes sense – two divisional teams with talent fighting for a crucial win. The narrative is great, but does it truly encapsulate the overall battle here?

Derek Carr and his Oakland squad are the real deal. Jack Del Rio is doing incredible things from top to bottom with this roster, one that has more talent than truly given credit for. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree have combined to be a lethal combination that should prove to be too much for the Kansas City defense to handle. Some will argue that the Raiders bring a one-dimensional threat to the table, but the grittiness to win games ugly is still very much apparent on the depth chart.

They might not be winning games the sexy way, but this is a club that knows how to win. Against the Chiefs on Sunday, I’ll go out on a limb and say this one won’t be close.

Raiders collect statement win against Chiefs, defeat KC, 26-16.