Few could play with the Raiders in 2016, but the Kansas City Chiefs twice reminded the young, up-and-coming Oakland squad that they aren't ready to relinquish the AFC West crown just yet.
The Chiefs beat the Raiders 26-10 in Week 6 and helped secure their first divisional title since 2010 by completing the sweep with a 21-13 victory in Week 14. In both wins, the Raiders' defense was picked apart by the Chiefs' offense, with Kansas City topping 400 yards of total offense without a single turnover in their second matchup.
Focused on improving their 26th-ranked defense, the Raiders selected Obi Melifonwu in the second round of the draft, and the super-athletic safety has no doubt his new team has what it takes to topple the Chiefs this time around.
"I think (we can stop them)," Melifonwu said, according to NFL.com's Conor Orr. "Like I said, with all the guys we have this year, with everybody that's coming back and with everybody we've added, our coaching staff, and everybody that's been really for the cause I think we can stop them.
"Actually, I know we can stop them."
The Raiders' struggles on defense after spending heavily on that side of the ball in free agency was one of the few negatives in what was otherwise a sensational year for the Silver and Black.
With a second offseason to build chemistry and the additions of Melifonwu and first-round cornerback Gareon Conley, the Raiders' defense should be better prepared to grind out the tough wins within what is arguably the NFL's best division.
