The Oakland Raiders Will Make the Playoffs

This culture loves to dish out awards. If it is not world champions, it is the best team that didn't win the Super Bowl. Or the best team not included in the playoffs. Or the best team with less than 10 wins. Or the team with the best offense, defense, or special teams. Or the team that improves the most in the offseason.

Or the team that improves the most from one season to the next.

In 2008, I think that the Oakland Raiders will have the most improved record in the NFL, and I have no reason to doubt that they can make the playoffs.

It's not like Oakland doesn't deserve it. They have been the brunt of many jokes for many years. Even the perfect human being that I am couldn't resist from poking fun at the team that wears black in California. Raider Nation has endured a lot, and now it is time for their team to get back into the spotlight.

Here are three reasons why I think the Raiders can make it to the playoffs by way of a division crown or a Wild-Card berth.

Darren McFadden

The next Peterson? While I doubt that, there isn't really much question that he will be in the running (no pun intended) for the Rookie of the Year award.

McFadden averaged over 140 yards per game while with the Arkansas Razorbacks. While he won't be able to keep that up in the National Football League, he should have no problem running through the Raider's offensive line.

Justin Fargas, currently listed just ahead of McFadden on the depth chart, will provide great backup to the 20-year old as the season gets older. The combination of McFadden, Fargas, and Michael Bush should be a very intimidating three-headed punch.

It will be fun to see those three battle it out with Tomlinson and the Chargers twice in 2008.

JaMarcus Russell

No, he doesn't weigh 300 pounds. This quarterback weighed in at 269 lbs. and is apparently feeling very mobile. While Russell wasn't horrible last year, head coach Lane Kiffin said the difference between the Russell from last year and this year is like "night and day."

Russell will immediately have a huge impact in the NFL. He has massive arm strength and isn't afraid to showcase it. He is very confident in himself and his abilities, and he says he feels "100 percent."

This is good news for Raiders fans because Andrew Walter just won't cut it this year.

Incredibly Easy Schedule

Oakland not only has a great team, but has a schedule that would have anybody singing in the California rain. The regular season only holds four playoff teams from 2007 for the Raiders. Three of those games come in the last four weeks.

The first twelve games of this horrifyingly easy schedule should produce at least eight wins for the Raiders, possibly more. The only bad thing is that Oakland most likely won't be heading into postseason play on a winning streak.

It will be hard to uproot the Chargers in the AFC West; no matter how hard the Raiders play. However, a Wild-Card berth is not out of the question.

Do you think that Oakland will reach the playoffs this year? If so, why? If not, why won't they?