Coming off the heels of their 37-29 win over the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders currently hold a 3-3 record and stand alone in second place in the AFC West.
With a Week 8 showdown with the New York Jets now on the horizon, let's take a look at what the national media is saying about the Silver and Black.
Week 8 Ranking: 14
Week 7 Ranking: 19
Movement: Up 5
Analysis: "This Raiders team may be arriving a year earlier than we thought. At 3-3, they now face a critical double-dip against the Jets and Steelers over the next two weeks. Both teams that sit ahead of them in the AFC wild-card race."
Week 8 Ranking: 16
Week 7 Ranking: 23
Movement: Up 7
Analysis: "How good is Amari Cooper? According to Elias Sports Bureau, he's the first rookie with three 100-yard receiving games in his team's first six games since Mike Ditka in 1961."
Week 8 Ranking: 14
Week 7 Ranking: 24
Movement: Up 10
Analysis: "Derek Carr has made an incredible leap in Year 2, and a lot of credit goes to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. Oakland's rebuilt offensive line has been one of the NFL's best in pass protection and low-cost skill position players Latavius Murray and Michael Crabtree have made a major impact."
Week 8 Ranking: 15
Week 7 Ranking: 18
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: "Positive vibes all around for the Raiders. In fact, on "NFL Now Gameday Blitz" this past Sunday, I felt compelled to remind all of our analysts that they had better include Oakland in the AFC wild-card discussion. We went around the set, with guys naming numerous teams -- and nary a mention of the Silver and Black. I'm here for you, Raider Nation.
The key for this group now will be to not let up like we saw in Chicago a few weeks back. That's your gig, Jack Del Rio.
In other news, only Todd Gurley is attempting to take a little bottle of whiteout to Amari Cooper's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award."
Week 8 Ranking: 14
Week 7 Ranking: 18
Movement: Up 4
Analysis: "The best team in the Bay Area is suddenly the one that doesn't have a swanky new stadium."
Week 8 Ranking: 17
Week 7 Ranking: 19
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: "QB Derek Carr has two road wins this year after notching none as a rookie – good sign this team is ready to take off."
Week 8 Ranking: 19
Week 7 Ranking: 20
Movement: Up 1
Analysis: "Rookie receiver Amari Cooper's pace after six games: 88 catches, 1,384 yards, eight touchdowns."
