Richard Seymour: "Mark My Words The Raiders Will Be In The Playoffs"

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

"You can mark it down, the Raiders will be in the playoffs in 2009."

Those are some bold words from a bold man. Especially considering the Raiders are currently standing at 2-4, a half game out of second place in the division.

Words like that are usually only used by blindly faithful homers and when talking about the Raiders distant past. But when they come from a player, namely one who is supposed to be unhappy about being in Oakland, they mean a lot.

But this isn't the first time Richard Seymour has made a prediction:"I will be the guy on top of the QB."

And sure enough in the following game Phillip Rivers was flat on his back looking up at Richard Seymour numerous times, including two sacks and multiple knock-downs.

I'm not claiming Seymour is the next Mrs. Cleo, as he is only one for one in his predictions. But it does make you think.

How unhappy could Seymour really be in Oakland if he is making playoff predictions? And realistically what are the Raiders chances at the playoffs?

In reality I don't see the Raiders wining the division as the Broncos have been strong out of the gate and currently hold a four game lead.

Barring a huge mid-season team collapse that would put last years mid-season team collapse to shame, there is no way the Broncos don't win the division. Expecting another collapse by Denver will likely only give false hope to this year's team.  The 2009 Broncos are completely different than their predecessors as there are less than a dozen relevant returners from last years team.

So the Raiders would have to settle for a wild-card spot. As it stands right now  the wild-card would go to 4-2 Pittsburgh and the 3-3 NYJ Jets. But a lot can change in the next ten weeks especially considering the Raiders play the Jets, who happen to be  on a three game slide, this Sunday.

Bottom line is it is too early to count out any team this early in the season. Well maybe you can count the Browns, but that is a different story.

Is Richard Seymour able to see into the future or has he just been drinking too much Raider kool-aid. Well we will see soon enough.

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