Oakland Raiders: Ya'll So Crazy, Now Scare the Mess Out of the Seahawks-We Won!

Some of you are probably saying that those of us who believe that the Oakland Raiders are going to beat the mess out of the Seattle Seahawks are a little crazy to think that way.

As much as I love to talk about numbers, this time it is important for the passion and drive of the Oakland Raiders to transcend the projections done with numbers. Let's just say that we are looking for the type of excellent performance that Darren McFadden had during the Denver Broncos game last week.

Well, let's take a look at some data from Football Outsiders. 

2010 Efficiency Ratings (Partial)

                        Tot DVOA    Rank      Tot DAVE          Rank      W-L        Off Rank   Def Rank         ST

Seahawks        2.1 percent            14           0.1%            16           4-2          25             11                1

Oakland           -19.8             30           -20.1 percent          26           3-4          26              26             17  

Most Consistent (32 has highest variance/least consistent)

Seahawk              15

Oakland               28

According to the research done by Football Outsiders, the Oakland Raiders are outranked by the Seattle Seahawks in several categories. In one category, however, they are side by side, with Oakland ranking 26 and the Seahawks ranking 25.

Let's just hope that the players protect the quarterback. A repeat performance is anticipated, so there is a high probability that the Oakland Raiders will defeat the Seahawks.

Another thing to hope for is a victory that demonstrates how those who use numbers must be careful in the interpretations and forecasting of the outcomes of games.

One BR writer said in a comment strand that he has failed to accurately predict each of the first seven games in 2010.

That's both good and bad. It's good that the Raiders are surprising the fans. It's bad that we are not able to construct a composite of the numbers to serve as a predictor of the outcome.

In either case, some of us are loyal to the team, whether they win or lose.

Of course, we are so much happier when the Oakland Raiders win. When they lose, we say, "maybe next time."

Go Raiders, go! Let a new trend begin!

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