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?
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3 months ago
Last time I checked, today is not April Fools Day, and there is no July Fools Day, so why the joke? The best I can see the Oakland Raiders going is 3-13, beating the Jets, Bucs and Fins. Good luck, but dont keep your hopes up, cause they will come crashing down.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comment.
from 3 months ago
Wow. I wish I had read that one over before I posted it. Sorry about that Andrew, I didn't notice how rude and unclled for that was. Must be because my brother is a Raiders fan, and is positive that the Raiders are going to beat the Patriots this year. Once again, sorry for the un called for comment.
-Chris Allen
from 3 months ago
Don't worry about it. :D
I'm no Raider fan, either. I'm a Raider teaser most days...
from 3 months ago
Chris, I didn't think the comment was rude so much as wrong. You don't think the Raiders can beat the Chiefs and Broncos at least once? Both have SERIOUS questions (QB/WR, RB/WR respectively) because of the off-season. And you know the Raiders play the Falcons too, right? THey can't beat that hapless team? I am actually less sure than you are they will beat the Jets and doubt they beat Tampa, but they also play the Bills, Ravens, and Texans, and they will win AT LEAST one of those...they have a GUARANTEED six wins barring some major catastrophe.
That being said, Andrew, I think that Tuscon heat is frying your brain. It's gonna take at least ten wins to make it in the AFC, and AT BEST Oakland can win three in their division plus beat (in order of probability, not knowing which games are home or away) the Falcons, Dolphins, Ravens, Jets, Bills, Texans, and Panthers. Yeah, that's ten, but that's the BEST case scenario and even then they would have to win the tie-break, with a disadvantage on strength of schedule. I give them about a 1% chance.
Maybe you had an alterior motive? My top theories:
1) You know Raiders fans read their articles more than any on the site, and you wanted the traffic
2) You are trying to assuage said fans who have previously bashed because you now realize you are within a day's travel from Oakland.
from 3 months ago
Well, you are right in saying that I am a very short hop from Raider country.
That being said, I still firmly believe that Oakland lands a Wild Card spot. Let's look at their schedule:
Week One
Vs. Denver
Denver hasn't really improved since last year. They have just added a few free agents here and there, but no one to change anything.
Week Two
@ Kansas City
The Chiefs are going to be horrible this year. They have serious problems, like you said below.
Week Three
@ Buffalo
The Bills will be a challenge. They are a much better team from last year, having added a great run stopper, and revamped their secondary.
Week Four
Vs. San Diego
One of the four games Oakland plays against former playoff teams.
Week Six
@ New Orleans
The Saints are going to have problems stopping the pass this year, but with Vilma they can stop the run pretty well.
Week Seven
Vs. Jets
The Jets are also going to be in the running for "most improved" team. This game should be a fun one to watch.
Week Eight
@ Ravens
This offense needs help. This team needs help.
Week Nine
Vs. Falcons
They will certainly miss Hall and Crumpler in this game. They might even miss Vick, too.
Week Ten
Vs. Panthers
A battle of rookie running backs. Muhammad and Hackett should be difference makers in this game as well.
Week Eleven
@Miami
Ehh...
Week Twelve
@ Denver
Read week one. I say they split the season series with Denver.
Week Thirteen
Vs. Kansas City
Read week two.
Week Fourteen
@San Diego
Read week four. Oakland should be able to take at least one from the Bolts.
Week Fifteen
Vs. New England
Ouch.
Week Sixteen
Vs. Houston
They reached in the draft and haven't added very many impact players. They didn't improve much from last year.
Week Seventeen
@ Tampa Bay
The Bucs still don't have great receivers, and they lost a lot after last year.
Best-case scenario: 12 wins.
from 3 months ago
I'd say theres 5-7 wins. Split with KC, Split with Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, NYJ, Carolina. I think if they can take all of those, that'd be their absolute best case scenario with 7 wins.
from 3 months ago
Andrew, at BEST that's eight wins. At best they take three in the division--if they take two from KC they probably lose both to SD (and that's exactly what I predict). They lose to New England, New Orleans, and Tampa, and at best get one of these three: Carolina (the Panthers are still a pretty good team), Houston, Buffalo.
Remember, they need a MINIMUM of 10 wins to make the playoffs--this isn't the 2006 NFC, with your stupid Vikings and that moron Moss (he does that fake mooning thing in my endzone and they carry him out on a stretcher!). Consider a Packer fan bringing that one up as a gift, and don't rub it in my face or I'll remind you of the Dennis Green playoff years...LOL!
from 3 months ago
Thanks, MJ. If Favre comes back and...throws a snowball...in the Metrodome...he'll need to be carried out on a stretcher.
Alright, not too intimidating...just please don't bring up "they are who we thought they were" Green. Please.
3 months ago
I think this article holds a lot of very true, valid arguments. But I don't think the O-line of the Raiders is playoff capable, especially in the AFC now-a-days. McFadden should be great (eventually) and Russell, I believe, could be the next C-Pep. But right now the offensive line just can't match up with the D-line of the opposition.
I'd give the Raiders about 3 maybe 2 more years to build on the line, then I think they'll make their jump out of nowhere to overthrowing the Chargers as the dominant force in the AFC West. (NOTE: This will be around the same time LT starts deteriorating.)
from 3 months ago
Oakland certainly has some glory days in the upcoming future, don't they? I think it's about time I adopt them as my official AFC team.
Thanks for the comment!
from 3 months ago
So that means it started last year huh??
3 months ago
Andrew,
You might want to change LaMont Jordan to Micheal Bush...
Additionally overall this is a good article but is incomplete. If you think the Raiders will do that well, and I agree that they will, you should mention the defense. With, by my count, 8/11 positions filled with quality starters and the other 3 positions have potential to be at the least respectable I would think this would be what carries the team until the young offensive stars can come into their own.
Chris, you should know that the O-Line was one of the better run blocking lines last year in its first year in a ZBS. Also the sack totals went from 72 in 06 to 41 in 07, which is still poor but ranks at just slightly below average. Considering personal upgrades, longer time in the system and the play last year expect nothing less than average in sacks allowed and a great rushing o-line.
from 3 months ago
You are right. Defense is critical to this team's success. I may add it in the morning, but I'm just too tired now.
from 3 months ago
See my comment above--no way the Raiders make the playoffs. They will finish with anywhere from 6-9 wins--yeah, way to take a stand, right? But they are hard to peg because of young talented players in key positions. No doubt they have a bright future, if Al doesn't mess that up (my Raider friends would term me an Al-hater).
3 months ago
I have given the Raiders a 5-11 record on my prediction because I think the only wins they would get would be vs. Chiefs (at home), Dolphins, Ravens, Falcons, and Jets. If they win against Texans, you can make it 6-10. The best that I would see this team is either 5-11, 6-10 or 7-9. Great article, otherwises.
3 months ago
Trying to make Jeff Little happy here? I just can't see it, not this year.
3 months ago
The Raiders already had the best running backs in football, why did Al Davis get another one. He has completely flown the coop. They need an O-Line and then they will be in bussiness. No I take that back Al Davis needs his mind back! He used to be a genius! If I was an oddsmaker I would put them at even money for first pick next year. Why? Be cause football players are human and they too know they have no hope without and will show up every week knowing they're about to recieve a spanking. If I played for the Raiders I would take a huge cut in pay to play anywhere else, almost anywhere else!
3 months ago
Somebody is trying to get reads/comments...Actually, I agree with those points, I've been saying it for a little bit and have also received crap when I called the Raiders an "up and coming team." Good job.
3 months ago
They can make the playoffs but it will take some hard work. First they need to find a witch doctor, sell their souls to Satin, and kill every member of the AFC Pro-Bowl team (won't have to worry about killing their own men) and they may stand a chance.
3 months ago
Why do people still say they their oline isnt good enough. we produced an over 1000 yd rusher with the 3rd string RB in Justin Fargas who only played in like 8 games. are you kidding me. and alot of those sacks were fumbles by Daunte and McCown.
i cant put a finger on what theyll actually do, but if work ethic is shown in numbers Raiders will make playoffs just based on the offseason efforts, especially by Jamarcus, who has been the hardest working Raider in the offseason. having your leader who is supposed to be the QB leading the way in work ethic has got to bode well for them. and then you have Dmac with that incredible run blocking line. Tom Cable is the man, and an upgrade in pass blocking this year should even be that much better, many times last year i saw plenty of time for the QBs to throw.
one thing people fail to see is that Raiders didnt have playmakers on offense, now they do. and a much better offense gives the D a rest and makes them all that much better and then you add some great players, wow.
i really cant say what will happen, im just excited about the process, and potential. based on logic they should win at least 8 games, because they have a much easier schedule than last year, and they couldve easily won 8 games last year. and they have a much better team, personnell wise, too. and they have continuity in coaching staff building chemistry.
3 months ago
I don't think the Raiders can get it done this year, maybe next year...maybe, not saying that they don't have the talent, but they don't have the experience right now. And forget their schedule, even if they win 10 of their games (which won't happen) they can still miss the playoffs, you have to remember that the AFC West didn't have a wild card team last year because they have to compare their records to the records of the Colts, Steelers, Chargers and Patriots, and I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the wild card race in afc this year is going to be the toughest it has been in years, and the Raiders just arn't that tough. The teams fighting for wild card will be Buffalo, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennesse, and you never know on year from the next how the Bengals or the Ravens are gonna perform. All in all, the AFC is too competitive for the Raiders this year.
It doesn't matter what the Raiders can do, so long as the rest of the AFC teams do what they can do.
3 months ago
Few things to mention, about this coming season:
First of all, yep, we split with the Broncos and Chiefs last year. And the other two games we lost, one was on a field goal, the other was what, 2 points?
Secondly, the Bills game might not be close, if their own RB is suspended by the NFL.
Third, A lot of people like to think the Pats will go perfect again. I'm thinking, they won't be, by the time they get to Oakland. Also, they play the Seahawks the week before, and top it off, it'll be back to back weeks on the west coast. The Raiders will be coming off a 10 day off period to study Moss.
And the last item, is something no one predicts. Injuries. Any number of things could happen to any team, that helps the Raiders. Brady gets crunched in a game against San Diego. LT doesn't really heal well. Heck, people might like the Jets as the most improved team.....they're drowning in the kiddie pool!
3 months ago
I think the Raiders will, in the end, make the playoffs at a wildcard spot. It'll be a close game between the Texans that decides it. I say they go 10-6
PS:We sweep KC,split Denver, and Split San Diego
3 months ago
They will be better than Kansas City in that division but not Denver or San Diego. There is no chance that they make the playoffs. I can see them winning at the most 6 games. Darren McFadden wont be Adrian Peterson was on the vikes last year and Jamarcus is too young.
3 months ago
I can't see it. Oakland isn't a whole lot better than last year, even with McFadden and Hall. The division is awful besides SD, so the opportunity for 2nd is there, but I don't think Russell is ready yet.
3 months ago
the raiders are certaintly not winning the division. face it thats out of the question.
and they will also not beat out the jags (or colts) or browns(or steelers) for that final wild card berth. they still have huge questions on both sides of the line, at QB, and at stopping the run. they have a good foundation but dont expect success this year
3 months ago
Hey Andrew. Let me first say that I respect you as a writer. I think the time and dedication you put into your articles and this website is top notch. As a fellow journalist (hopeful), I think that you do a very good job in this article backing up what you say, and explaining what you mean. Very good.
As for opinion time...I of course am a Pats fan, and respect the ouch comment you gave. Kind of funny. Anyways, I do think that you're on to something with the Raiders being very improved, however I think your Wild Card proposition is a bit wild itself (pun completely intended). I like their chances to improve, but I think their a few years away from being ready in this division, let alone conference. I think with 6 teams overall vying for a playoff spot, there's locks in the Pats, Colts, and Chargers in the playoffs. That means you have three openings left for the second season.
I think that the Browns and Jags may account for two slots, and a third possibly by a surprising Texans team. Even if these three aren't exactly correct, you could flip flop them for better teams than Oakland still such as the Bills, the Steelers, and the Titans...I like what Tim said earlier. Very true I think. Very bold, and I admire you for this article. I hope you comment one of mine when you get a chance. Keep it up pal.
from 3 months ago
Thanks so much, Nick. I appreciate your feedback.
2 months ago
LT...hmm....didn't do too well the last playoff run, wasn't doin too well towards the end of the season, chemistry between him and rivers is deteriorating, and he's slowly becoming a whining baby on the sidelines when him or the offense screws up. On top of that, his seasons are slowly getting worse and worse, and, because of the increasing toughness in the AFC, his yardage and touchdowns are going to be at a steady pace downwards.
Denver.....Raiders should have won both games and everyone who was watching or heard about them knows that the raiders deserved not just one of those two matchups.
KC....absolute crap
Entire NFC South....crap except for tampa.
How could people be so sure of themselves and just immediately think the Raiders are going to do poorly? Especially when they have made the most moves and showed the most heart in the offseason than any other team by fffffaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr.
When you put in the most work, you get the most out of it. All of you not-so-smart critics need to learn to count your eggs before they hatch.
Raiders 10 - 6 period
from 2 months ago
"KC....absolute crap"
Lol.
2 months ago
Interesting to come in here, almost a month later, and look at the old articles, and what people put down.
Sure, easy schedule is still there.
McFadden is looking ahead of schedule, learning well.
Russell, at least is learning his plays, unlike a Ryan Leaf, or an Alex Smith.
Less than a week from seeing how things look against the 49ers....preseason, but hey, at least players can finally tackle.
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