NFL Week 6 Picks: Oakland Raiders Defense Prolongs 49ers Offensive Struggles

October 17, 2010   ·   Andrew Leigh   ·   Jump to comments

Oakland is coming off a huge win at home against the San Diego Chargers, a team they hadn't defeated in what seemed like an eternity. The Chargers offense had a huge day, as Philip Rivers threw for 430 yards against the Raiders struggling defense.

Oakland has surrendered more than 20 points in four of their first five games, all in all a bad sign for a defensive unit. This week, against the 0-5 San Francisco 49ers and their much-maligned offense led by Alex Smith, I expect Oakland to have a much better showing defensively in a surprising Raiders victory.

The Raiders have the 31st ranked rushing defense, and Frank Gore presents a major challenge. However, I expect Oakland to focus most of their defensive efforts on stopping Gore and the 49ers running game, begging Alex Smith to beat them through the air.

All-world corner Nnamdi Asomugha will make life hard for Smith, who seemed to finally get in sync with top receiver Michael Crabtree. I expect Crabtree...

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