Oakland Raiders' Schedule Preview/Predictions

Oakland Raider fans have much to be excited about. From an explosive, rookie running back to the newly acquired, fifth-year, two-time Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall. So let’s get run down the schedule and evaluate the competition for the Raiders and predict the possible outcome.

Week One: Denver Broncos

Let’s not forget that it’s on Monday Night Football, in Oakland, where the Raiders have thrived for so long. And let's also not forget it’s against the HATED Broncos, who have terrorized Raiders for so long.

The Broncos have been on a steady decline in the last few years, and Mike Shanahan may have reached his window of success in Denver. No unit has vastly improved over the last few years for the Broncos. The Raiders, on the other hand, have improved with the experience of young players and free-agent acquisitions.

The Raiders' home field, running game, and big plays contribute:

Raiders 34 Broncos 20

Week Two: @ Kansas City Chiefs

Another great rivalry game. Chiefs are in a rebuilding mode; Raiders are slightly past that point.

It's rare the Raiders play in KC this early in the year, and they'll rely on kicking:

Raiders 16 Chiefs 10

Week Three: @ Buffalo Bills

Good early-season matchup. Raiders fly across the nation a little over-confident and meet a good QB—Trent Edwards—and a stingy defense.

Bills 20 Raiders 10

Week Four: San Diego Chargers

It’s a home game, but the Raiders are simply not in their league at this point. The Chargers are too balanced. Raiders keep it close for most of game.

Chargers 31 Raiders 14

Week Five: Bye

Week Six: @ New Orleans Saints

Another trip across the country for a young team. The Raiders' tough defense and running attack are not enough to contain big plays.

Saints 28 Raiders 17

Week Seven: New York Jets

Any Raider fan will tell you that the Jets always, always, always give the Raiders a tough time, no matter who’s at QB. Now it’s Brett Favre. Anyone remember last time he played in Oakland?

Jets 20 Raiders 10

Week Eight: @ Baltimore Ravens

Another trip across the U.S. doesn't seem fair, however, the Ravens will probably have a rookie QB playing and the Ravens defense is simply not as good as it used to be.

Raiders 27 Ravens 3

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons

Another rookie will be starting at QB, and this one’s a little better. But it won't matter. Oakland's defensive backs are too good, and the Falcons will be too bad.

Raiders 31 Falcons 10

Week 10: Carolina Panthers

Panthers are also on a steady decline and are too busy fighting injuries...and each other.

Raiders 17 Panthers 13

Week 11: @ Miami Dolphins

There is always a game in the Raiders' season where they somehow find a way to lose. Though the Dolphins are improved.

Dolphins 13 Raiders 10

Week 12: @ Denver Broncos

Broncos remember how they lost last time. And the Football Gods simply could not let the Raiders sweep the Bronc's.

Broncos 24 Raiders 17

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs will be improved from their last meeting, and once again, the Gods are watching.

Chiefs 17 Raiders 14

Week 14: @ San Diego Chargers

San Diego will be fighting for playoff seeding. They'll be at home, and they'll be all over Norv's former team.

Chargers 34 Raiders 14

Week 15: New England Patriots

With injuries, fatigue, and playoff seeding settling in, only the latter is for the Patriots.

Patriots 31 Raiders 21

Week 16: Houston Texans

Raiders feel a little break from the competition.

Raiders 21 Texans 14

Week 17: @ Buccaneers

Al Davis is looking for a new coach to harass, Lane Kiffin is looking for a new team, the players are looking forward to vacation, and Chucky's looking to run the score up!

Buccaneers 31 Raiders 10

The young Raiders' tough schedule gets the best of them: Raiders to fall 6-10.