Oakland Raiders Will Win Eight Games This Year

It's that time of year again. Where everyone is throwing around predictions, of how teams will be better than the predictions.  What teams have to do to even make the predictions come true. It's my turn to tell you mine about them rowdy Raiders.

First of all, I'm going say this, "the Raiders will go 8-8." Yeah, you probably think I am full of it, but just listen and maybe you might move in my direction.

The Raiders probably have the hardest schedule in the NFL, but with the "biggest" loop hole. I mean the Raiders play Kansas City twice, Denver twice, Cincinnati, Houston, Cleveland, and Dallas.

The loop hole is Dallas, by week 12 Dallas is going to be on their losing streak as they do every season, and the Raiders will take advantage of that as they did with the Jets last year.

The Chiefs will be an easy two wins if the Raiders don't fall under pressure. The Raiders will have to dominate with the run by using all three running-backs. Most likely both games will be fourth quarter games ending with the last drive.     

Cincinnati will probably be the highest scored game of the season. Again, the Raiders will have to dominate with the run, while at the same time take advantage of the young defensive backs with good play-action passes.

Now stopping Coffman will be easy as the Raiders have one of the best middle linebackers in Kirk Morrisson. With Morisson holding Coffman,  there's one of the Bengals' weapons out of the way. leaving only Laveranues Coles, and Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco) in the Raiders way.

Though, the Raiders will have Nnamdi Asomugha covering Coles.  Ocho Cinco has been a huge upset for the past couple years. So there's two out of the way. Well Ocho Cinco is still a weapon even if he's been in a slump. So what do the Raiders do? They put Howard and Routte on him. Howard's fast and Routte's smart. But Ocho Cinco is going to have a hay day, which is why the Raiders have to continue to move the ball effectively on offense.

The Broncos are going to be the easiest team on the Raiders schedule, but defense has to be a key. The Raiders need to click and study the Marshall and Royal. Ramsey and Simms aren't starting quarterbacks, but if Marshall and Royal get open, anything can happen.

Watch them try to show off and throw Asomugha's way, but it won't last long. Kirk Morrisson has to stay on the ball carrier all game. JaMarcus Russell needs to stay focused and make short efficient passes to gain confidence, then throw some long ones.

Houston will be a tough game, but if the Raiders stay focused they can pull it out and come away with a win.

Cleveland will be manageable as long as the Raiders stop the pass. JaMarcus Russell will have a great game taking advantage of the weak cornerbacks.

These are the eight teams the Raiders will win if they use the stratigies I indicated. The Raiders have the talented players and the mix to make it work.