1: Oakland Raiders
Last Year Record: 7-9
Key Additions: G/OT Kelechi Osemele, OLB Bruce Irvin, CB Sean Smith, S Reggie Nelson.
Key Losses: WR Rod Streater, OT J’Marcus Webb, DE Justin Tuck, ILB Curtis Lofton, CB Charles Woodson, S Larry Asante.
Big Games: Nov. 6 VS. Denver, Nov. 27 VS. Carolina, Dec. 8 @ Kansas City, Jan. 1 @ Denver.
The silver and black are finally back. It will be the Raiders’ year to finally have a winning season and make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. There are a few reasons I think the Raiders are poised for a great season.
First is their schedule. It is really easy for an NFL schedule. Now the Chiefs and Broncos made the playoffs last year so that is four games against playoff caliber teams from last season. Anything can happen in a divisional game so if we don’t count divisional games the Raiders only have two games against teams that made the playoffs last year, the Texans and the Panthers. The schedule is favorable for them.
Second is their young core. Derek Carr is a great young quarterback who has shown brilliant flashes and will only get better. Carr also has Amari Cooper to throw to which is a great weapon to have. Also, Khalil Mack is the best young defender I have ever seen. There is a reason he was the first player in NFL history to become All-Pro at two different positions. He is that good and still can become better.
The Raiders will be fun to watch this year and no team is going to enjoy going to the blackhole to play against Oakland.