Oakland Raiders NFL Preview 2010: Commitment to Above Average?

The Oakland Raiders have been the doormat for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos the last few years, but a shocking realignment of the AFC West in 2010 may be on the horizon.

Gone is the Oakland Raiders' failed NFL first-round draft pick , JaMarcus Russell and his "lean ." Now on the scene is an eager, experienced quarterback in Jason Campbell .

Although head coach Tom Cable has stated it is a four-way competition for the starting quarterback job in Oakland, no one else believes it as Jason Campbell took a majority of snaps during the teams OTA's in June.

Campbell may not be a top five quarterback in the NFL, but he will suit the Oakland Raiders needs at the position.

What Oakland wants at the quarterback spot is a QB who will stand in there, take a shot, and unload the ball to a streaking receiver. Campbell is the quarterback who can pull that off.

Raiders Running Game Should Improve Over 2010 Numbers

The Oakland Raiders have never been 100 percent dedicated to the run in their history, but if they can focus a little more in 2010 on the run they can have tremendous balance.

Darren McFadden has been a disappointment so far in his NFL career but this is the year Oakland will need to get him more carries in every game.

McFadden has shown a history of getting better as his carries increase. If McFadden can get the ball either on handoffs or in short dump passes in the flat, McFadden could be a critical component to the new Oakland offense.

The Raiders need to focus on McFadden touching the ball 25 times a game.

With a crowded backfield, this could hurt McFadden's chances of getting his 25 touches. Michael Bennett is a great up-and-down runner, but he isn't exactly a change of pace back to McFadden.

One key addition is fullback Manase Tonga . He could be the man leading the way for McFadden if he makes the team.

Wide Receivers May be Fastest in NFL, but Can They Catch?

Louis Murphy was the best wide receiver on the Oakland Raiders last season and this season, he should be Jason Campbell's No. 1 guy.

Believe it or not, the talk among NFL experts in the know are glowing over the improvement of second year receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey .

If he can rack up 900-1100 yards receiving, to go with Murphy's 1300-1500 expected yards receiving, Oakland may have an improved season in 2010.

Oakland made a nice pickup with the 109th NFL Draft pick. They moved up the ladder to nab speedster Jacoby Ford . Yes, Oakland loves speed and yes, Oakland has had many failures when it comes to speedy receivers. Ford may be the exception to the rule.

Playing for Clemson, Ford was the the go-to man and now he will be called upon to shuttle in and out of the lineup. It is always a difficult adjustment for rookies in the NFL. Ford will be a solid receiver, expect 500-700 yards from the rookie.

Defense Will be Young With Key Veterans Mixed In

Three players could make or break this Oakland Raider defense in the 2010 NFL regular season. The first and most important player to this defense is the Raiders first round draft pick, Rolando McLain .

McLain, the quick linebacker out of Alabama, is replacing Oakland's veteran linebacker, Kirk Morrison . If McLain plays in the regular season as he did in early OTA's, he will be a thorn in the side of any receiver or running back coming across the middle.

The Raiders second-round draft pick, Lamarr Houston , could be another critical component in the Oakland defense. Houston is a defensive end out of Texas and another player that comes with the Raider values instilled in his psyche.

Houston is mean and has shown his teammates he will play as hard in practice as he does during the game. Houston will be a starter in Game One, and it is doubtful he will be on the bench much during the NFL season.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best player on the Oakland Raiders . Not many people know who he is, but he cuts the field in half for Oakland's defense. Nnamdi Asomugha is the best shutdown corner in the NFL.

Many may argue Darrelle Revis but insiders in the NFL know Asomugha does not get as much exposure playing for a bad Oakland team. When Oakland wins eight games in 2010, Nnamdi Asomugha will be a major factor.

Final Breakdown of Oakland Raiders for 2010 NFL Season

The Oakland Raiders over/under win total is six games according to the Las Vegas Hilton Superbook . With their young defense and newly acquired quarterback, it is tough to question the experts at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Oakland has an AFC West schedule that could be to their advantage, so look for Oakland to win a minimum of seven games and possibly eight games.

Todd Jacobs is featured on many websites; you may contact him through Suite 101 , Associated Content or view his handicapping picks on www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com .