The Oakland Raiders will face off against the Houston Texans for a special Monday Night Football game in Mexico City. Derek Carr and the Raiders are one of the surprise teams of the season, or if you've been expecting them to break out in recent years, then they're finally realizing their potential.
Houston isn't doing quite as well, but at 6-3, the team is still on top of the AFC South. Oakland, despite its stellar record, entered the week occupying a wild card spot. With a win Monday night, the Raiders could hold sole possession of first place.
With a young foundation built on Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper and defensive end Khalil Mack, the Raiders are in a great position going forward. The Texans seem to be in a bit more precarious position talent-wise, but the division around them is struggling and Brock Osweiler isn't helping. Osweiler has shown nothing but su-par play since the Texans gave him a massive contract this offseason.
But if Osweiler can improve his play to just average, the Texans have shown they will play well enough around him to help the team find success. But can they beat the Raiders?
As far as experts are concerned, it's not at all surprising to see that it's a landslide in favor of the Raiders. All eight experts at CBS Sports are picking the Raiders, while all nine experts for ESPN think Oakland will win as well.
Here at SB Nation, it's the same thing.
| Game | RVB | Stephen White | Thomas George | Jeanna Thomas | Adam Stites | Tyler Tynes | Louis Bien | Joel Thorman | Fooch | OddsShark computer |
| HOU vs OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK | OAK |
All three outlets share a consensus on the Raiders, with all nine of SB Nation's experts, plus the OddsShark computer, making that pick. Monday's game will kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a live stream online available via WatchESPN.