The Raiders (2-10) will try to end their eight-game losing streak when they face the Buccaneers (6-6) on Sunday in Tampa Bay. Coach Antonio Pierce desperately needs a win, especially after coming oh-so-close to beating the Chiefs in Week 13.
According to this week’s broadcast map courtesy of 506sports.com, the game will air in just two NFL cities — Las Vegas and Tampa Bay. The broadcast area surrounding Las Vegas extends to the West Coast, just south of the Bay Area and well north of Los Angeles. A small pocket of fans centered in Oklahoma will also see the game. It’ll air on CBS, and kickoff is at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Las Vegas played so well against the Chiefs that Pierce sent a thank you letter to his team and staff to recognize their effort. The team will have to put in even more effort this week to earn a victory. East Coast games have always been difficult for the Raiders, like most teams operating in the Pacific Time zone.
Plus, the Buccaneers are talented and hungry, especially on offense. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is always an issue for opponents, and rookie running back Bucky Irving is on a tear lately, earning Rookie of the Week honors over Raiders tight end Brock Bowers last week.
The Raiders offense will look to establish the run game, as it has all year with limited success. First-year running back Sincere McCormick has performed well over the last two weeks and will get a chance to prove he’s the real deal, potentially unlocking Pierce’s run-first vision for his team. If offensive coordinator Scott Turner finds his groove in this fourth game calling plays for Las Vegas, the offense could have their best day of the season.