Nov 16, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) shakes hands with San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) after the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

In recent years, the Oakland Raiders going against the Denver Broncos always ended in some sort of blood bath. Week 5 for the Raiders was anything but that. In fact, the Raiders for all intents and purposes not only went toe to toe with the Broncos, but arguably should have won the game.

Alas, it was not to be, however Raider fans should be very encouraged by the outing the team put together. With the bye week immediately following the game, the Raiders have had two weeks to regroup and prepare for another division opponent. Luckily for Oakland, they are taking on the Chargers in San Diego, the annual ninth home game for the Raiders against Philip Rivers at the team’s second home stadium in Qualcomm Stadium.

Following is the Week 7 primer with a recap of the bye week and the Broncos game along with the picks against the spread for this week’s NFL slate.