Oakland Looking To Start Strong and End Strong: 2009 Raiders Predictions

The Oakland Raiders are looking to steal a win from San Diego on Monday as MNF kicks off its 40th Season. The question is, will the Raiders wishes come true? What are their chances of making the playoffs this year? I looked over their schedule, made my predictions, tried to un-bias my original decisions, and now here it is. My projections for the Oakland Raiders in the 2009 NFL Season.

WEEK 1- SAN DIEGO

As MNF opens their 40th season, the Raiders will ungracefully welcome the Chargers, led by Philip Rivers and crew, into their house. Look for the Raiders to look to their defense to stop the onslaught of Chargers offense. Offense is key for the Raiders in this game, as they will need production in order to win. If they can get that, they have a chance. Otherwise, let's move on to Week 2.

Result- Loss (0-1)

WEEK 2- @ KANSAS CITY

These are the games you love to see as a Raider fan, or a fan of any lower quality team. A game they can actually win. KC won't have a chance. Against anyone. Not even the Raiders. Look at them to finish in the 3 to 4 win category. Fun game for Oakland.

Result- Win (1-1)

WEEK 3- DENVER

What's that you said? The Raiders could have a winning record? YES! Well folks, unfortunately for Denver, unless Marshall is 100% and the defense is 200%, look for the Raiders to have 2 things under their belt this season. A winning streak and a winning record, for now.

Result- Win (2-1)

WEEK 4- @ HOUSTON

Houston has a shot at being a 8 or 9 win team if their defense can hold strong all season. Mario Williams is my personal favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year (Yes, it's because i'm an NCSU fan, and that's where he went), but if you don't think of it that way, he's still a good cantidate for the award. Raiders drop to 2-2 here.

Result- Loss (2-2)

WEEK 5- @ NEW YORK GIANTS

One word for this game. BLOWOUT. The Silver and Black Attack will prove in this game that they are a lower half of the league team. Destroyed by the Giants, maybe not in points, but in morale and overall gameplay. Losing Record. Something we Raider Faithful are familiar with.

Result- Loss (2-3)

WEEK 6- PHILIDELPHIA

In my opinion, the Raiders will not get enough production from their offense to win this game. Good battle of the defenses, but the Eagles O will prove stronger in the offensive sense. Better luck next week.

Result- Loss (2-4)

WEEK 7- NEW YORK JETS

Well, this could be a close one. Again a battle of getting the Raiders offensive to produce. Ahh what the heck! It's the middle of the season. Raiders end up pulling this one out.

Result- Win (3-4)

WEEK 8- @ SAN DIEGO

They will probably lose on Monday night to the Chargers in their first meeting. What makes you think they can pull it off on the road? I don't think they can. Raiders lose to end the first half.

Result- Loss (3-5)

WEEK 9- BYE

Look for the Raiders to maintain a strong practice ethic during their week off, and bounce back to finish strong.

Result- N/A (3-5)

WEEK 10- KANSAS CITY

The Raiders look to take their first road win of the year from KC in Week 2. Look for this one to be another fun game for Raider Nation. Raiders start off the second half with a win.

Result- Win (4-5)

WEEK 11- CINCINNATI

Instability will prove harmful for Cincy this year. With Ochocinco (I still think that's a funny name), and Carson Palmer combining last year to show that Cincy doesn't have what it takes to win a championship, the Raiders will take another win.

Result- Win (5-5)

WEEK 12- @ DALLAS

Dallas will look to turn over a new leaf this year with the release of the nuiscant T.O. Look for the Cowboys to take another game in their new stadium and send fans home happy. Raiders lose.

Result- Loss (5-6)

WEEK 13- @ PITTSBURGH

The Raiders travel to the East Coast for a cold game in Pittsburgh. Look for a 12 or 13 win team to beat out a 6 or 7 win team. Raiders drop their second straight in Pittsburgh, falling to the defending champions.

Result- Loss (5-7)

WEEK 14- WASHINGTON

Washington takes a cross-country trip for the December game in Oakland. Look for them to prove that the trip was worthwhile, and head back home with a W. Raiders drop their third straight.

Result- Loss (5-8)

WEEK 15- @ DENVER

Oakland makes a short trip to Denver to send Broncos fans home frustrated that afternoon. Look to have the Raiders win in Denver, end the 3-game losing streak, and push for an 8-8 finish.

Result- Win (6-8)

WEEK 16- @ CLEVELAND

Cleveland won't even come to the public about who their starting quarterback is going to be for the 2009 season. Eric Mangini looks to have his 1st season as Browns coach come to a good end. The Raiders will say otherwise, sticking a loss at the bottom of their schedule.

Result- Win (7-8)

WEEK 17- BALTIMORE

Well Raider Nation, you wanted an 8-8 season this year, the playoffs, and all the other good that comes with a good season. Unfortunately, Baltimore puts a stop to the end of the season push, moves the Raiders to 7-9, and pushes them out of the playoffs yet again.

Result- Loss (7-9)

There you have it folks. My 2009 predictions for the Raiders season. Let me know what you think. To cap it off, here are the final records for the Raiders in 2009.

OVERALL RECORD- (7-9)

HOME RECORD- (4-4)

ROAD RECORD- (3-5)

Again, let me know what you think!