Oakland Raiders '09-'10 Season Predictions: Did Someone Spike My Coffee?

Since the 2002 season, which ended in a Super Bowl loss, the silver and black have not finished a season with more than five wins. In those six seasons, they have totaled 24 wins, 72 losses, and had five different head coaches.

Yet, the Raider Nation has had high hopes coming into each season, despite the warnings of almost every analyst in America. You would think the Raiders lost in the Super Bowl every year since the '02 season the way Raider fans talk about them.

This year is no different.

The Raiders come into this season with a few things they haven't had in quite some time: a starting quarterback and a head coach. Will JaMarcus Russell live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But for right now, he is the guy.

Will Tom Cable be the next John Madden for the Raiders? Can't call it. But for right now, he is the guy.

Last year, the Raiders started off as your typical Raiders of late—with losses! They were 2-8 going into Denver for Week 12. They then blew out the Broncos 31-10, overpowering them. Fans thought their team had finally turned the corner after the victory. That would not be the case, as they lost the next three, being blown out in two.

Then, something happened. They went on to beat two teams in the running for the playoffs. One of those teams (Tampa Bay) needed that one win to be in. But the Raiders played spoilers. They seemed to have a fire and an energy about them that had been missing.

Well, I hope they bottled some of that, because here are my BOLD predictions.

Week One, San Diego—24-10 L

Philip Rivers comes out firing, and although the Raiders hold LT in check, Darren Sproles breaks a long one. Raider offense struggles to get going.

Week Two, Kansas City—24-17 L

The Raider offense shows signs of life, but the D can’t get the crucial stop.

Week Three, Denver—28-13 W

Two on the ground for Darren McFadden, one for Justin Fargas, and Russell and DHB hook up for their first TD on a 50-yard bomb.

Week Four, Houston—38-35 W

Raider D comes up big in the last possession with a turnover. Raiders finally outscore somebody. McFadden comes up huge.

Week Five, NY Giants—30-10 L

Giants' D brings the Raiders back to earth, putting pressure on JaMarcus all day.

Week Six, Philadelphia—16-13 L

A defensive battle, and Sebastian Janikowski blows the kick in the fourth quarter.

Week Seven, N.Y. Jets—17-10 W

Jets try to pressure JaMarcus like the Giants and Eagles did, but he answers the call.

Week Eight, San Diego—27-24 W

San Diego puts up similar numbers, but the Raider offense is alive now. Janikowski redeems himself.

Week Nine, Bye

Week 10, Kansas City—20-10 W

D shuts down Matt Cassel, while running controls the clock. Raiders commit zero turnovers.

Week 11, Cincinnati—23-21 W

Raiders D lets up in the fourth, giving up two scores. McFadden finds end zone off swing pass with minute left.

Week 12, Dallas—31-20 L

Dallas scores early. They control the ball and clock late on their way to the win. Raiders score meaningless TD late in the fourth.

Week 13, Pittsburgh—24-9 L

Starts off as a defensive battle with the score 6-3 Pittsburgh at half. Steelers' O gets going, Raiders' doesn’t.

Week 14, Washington—20-13 L

JaMarcus has his only BAD game of the season—throws three picks and fumbles.

Week 15, Denver—24-10 W

Rebound game for JaMarcus—goes for first 300-yard game and first three-TD game of career.

Week 16, Cleveland—31-17 W

Offense stays hot, and defense has strong second half.

Week 17, Baltimore—13-10 W

Defense stifles Joe Flacco, and Janikowski kicks us into the playoffs!