As of Thursday night, when the Browns took down the Steelers,  the Raiders moved inside the bubble for an AFC Wildcard spot. They’ve already won more games this season than they won all of last season. For that to happen, it takes a few breakout players and surprises.

Breakout player: TE Darren Waller

This time a year ago, Waller was wallowing in obscurity on the Ravens’ practice squad. A little over a week later, the Raiders signed him away from the Ravens. There was little reason for anyone to think Waller would make a massive impact for the Raiders. He had just 12 catches for 103 yards in his career, which included several suspensions for substance abuse issues.

He showed some skills early on over the final four games of the 2018 season, but still nothing that would suggest the Raiders were looking at a bonafide future star. Then came the start of the 2019 season, and in two games, he eclipsed his entire career receptions and receiving totals form his career in Baltimore. And in his third game, he blew all of those numbers out of the water as well.

Waller is the Raiders’ leading receiver by a wide margin, and it earned him a long term extension with the team. He has broken out big time. From the shackles of his addiction and the shadows of the NFL.

Surprise player: DE Benson Mayowa

We all know pass rushers are at a premium in the NFL. And yet Mayowa, in his prime, wasn’t signed until over a month into free agency. By that point, all the ‘waves’ had since past, and the scraps were washing up onshore. That’s when the Raiders signed the 28-year-old to a one-year deal.

Mayowa has gone on to lead the team with 7.0 sacks in nine games. He is a bit of a one-trick pony. He is a speed rusher, designed for obvious passing situation. But that has rarely stopped teams from spending big money on a player. Signing a guy who can put pressure on the quarterback on third and long is a valuable thing. So, why didn’t Mayowa get that kind of respect in free agency?

Well, because he is a journeyman former undrafted free agent who had just 13.0 career sacks in six NFL seasons. His career-high was 6.0 sacks, which means in nine games this season in Oakland, he has already set a new career-high. And he’s done it despite averaging around 30% of the defensive snaps, fewest of any of the team’s defensive ends.

I think it’s safe to say no one expected this level of production from Mayowa

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