2011 NFL Predictions: Picking Each Game on the Oakland Raiders' Schedule

The Oakland Raiders are one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to predict.

For example, in 2010 the Raiders did not seem that impressive on paper, but still managed to sweep their division. At the same time they did that, they still failed to make the playoffs because the Chiefs had a better overall record.

For the 2011 season, the Raiders will play their normal divisional games along with the NFC North, and AFC East. They will also take on the Browns and the Texans in the AFC. Because they have such a difficult schedule, I don't see them winning many games, but like I said, Its tough to call for the Raiders.

As the Raiders enter the 2011 season with a new head coach and a few key losses in free agency, these predictions will be no exception to the usual difficulty.

Another curveball in predicting a schedule is the change in management. New head coach Hue Jackson may have a difficult time taking over for Tom Cable whose departure will likely impact the team's offensive line play as well as team unity.

Regardless of the many things counting against the Raiders, their run-game is one thing that remains ever constant and is probably the only thing that keeps them in a playoff conversation. Unfortunately, I don't think their run-game will be enough for them to win their division.

Here's my predictions for the Oakland Raiders 2011 schedule.

Week 1: At Denver Broncos

I think that early in the season, the Raiders may have some success against the weaker teams in the AFC because of their strong run-game.

The Denver Broncos are the weakest team in the AFC West, in my opinion. Uncertainty at QB in combination with a lackluster defense and a new head coach will make things very difficult for Denver early on.

The Raiders' run-game is what helped them sweep the division in 2010 and I don't think the Broncos have taken the steps necessary for stopping Darren McFadden in 2011.

Though Kyle Orton is one of the league's more consistent passers, he doesn't seem to have the faith of the organization and this could contribute to some shortcomings.

The Raiders will come out on top in this game, I think Denver will be in a lot worse shape than the rest of their division in 2011.

Prediction:

27-14 Raiders over Broncos

Week 2: At Buffalo Bills

In the second game of their first road trip, the Oakland Raiders face the Buffalo Bills.

I'm sure the Bills will being looking pretty fresh in their new uniforms, but unfortunately for Buffalo, the old Deon Sanders adage won't apply to this weak team.

The Bills are another team that will likely struggle in 2011, after ignoring their need for a franchise QB again. Though they have made tremendous improvements to their defense, their offense just doesn't have the firepower they need to win ball games.

 The additions of Marcell Dareus and Nick Barnett will help to fill the void left by Paul Posluszny, and then some. Shawne Merriman is another player who will likely step up and play a major role for the Bills' strengthened defense.

This defensive unit may make it difficult for the Raiders to move the ball by limiting their ground game, but their defensive secondary is weak enough that Jason Campbell may be able to spread the ball around to Darius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford and others.

After the loss of Lee Evans, I don't see the Bills being able to do much with their passing game and ultimately get shut down by the Raiders fantastic defensive secondary.

Either way, this will be a low-scoring game.

Prediction:

 14-3 Raiders over Bills

Week 3: Vs. New York Jets

In week three, the Raiders open a two-game homestand against Rex Ryan and the New York Jets.

The Jets lost a lot of key players to free agency this year which could have some pretty dramatic effects on their play this season. Their defense was probably the most effected area of their team, particularly at LB and on their defensive line. This will play to Darren McFadden's advantage.

Fortunately for New York, they still have one of the best defensive secondaries in the NFL—even better than the Raiders. The Jets will be able to completely take the Raiders' passing attack out of the equation and focus on shutting McFadden down.

Overall, I genuinely believe the Jets defense is still better than the Raiders' offense as a whole. This will be a tough home-opener for the silver and black faithful.

Let's not forget about the Jets' offense either. Mark Sanchez has really taken on a leadership role on this offense that totaled 5,616 yards in 2010. The addition of Plaxico Burress and the re-signing of Santonio Holmes will both probably result in some pretty heavy offensive production in 2011.

Honestly I don't think the Raiders stand a chance in this game, and Rex Ryan will let them know that—before and after the game, and then probably again the next week.

Prediction:

31-10 Jets over Raiders

Week 4: Vs. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots roll into Oakland for a Week 4 matchup that will likely be less of a game than the Raiders' Week 3 matchup.

Remember how I was saying the Jets are really good? The Patriots are better. They are my pick to win Super Bowl XLVI and should have no problem squishing the lowly Raiders on their way to Indianapolis.

Tom Brady is the best player in the NFL and the team has remained essentially intact from the 2010 season. The addition of Chad Ochocinco will probably only make things more difficult for the Patriots' foes in 2011 as Tom Brady goes after ring No. 4.

The Patriots' defense is pretty well-off too. In 2010, they only gave up 4,183 total yards and enter the 2011 season as the eighth ranked defense according to NFL.com.

 The Raiders don't stand a chance.

Prediction:

34-7 Patriots over Raiders

Week 5: At Houston Texans

Week five brings the Raiders to Houston to face the Texans.

I think the Texans are a dark horse to not only make, but go deep into the playoffs in 2011. The Texan's defense added some key players along with a new defensive coordinator named Wade Phillips who is notorious for fixing defenses in the NFL.

Play-makers like J.J. Watt, Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, and Jonathan Joseph will make it hard for any team to move the ball on them. The Raiders will be no exception. This revitalized defense should be able to shut down Darren McFadden who, though explosive, can't put his team on his back the way an Adrian Peterson or a Chris Johnson could.

The Raiders passing attack, and their weak offensive line won't be able to do anything against the Texans just because of how much talent they have brought to Houston for the 2011 season.

Don't forget about Matt Schaub and the NFL's best receiver either. Andre Johnson will light up the Raiders, even if they have been able to hold on to so many key defensive players.

The Texans also have the 2010 NFL leading rusher as well. Though I think Arian Foster is a one-year-wonder, you always have to account for a guy that puts up numbers like Foster did in 2010. The Raiders, like many other teams this year, will have their hands full with the Texans.

Prediction:

28-10 Texans over Raiders

Week 6: Vs. Cleveland Browns

In week six, the Cleveland Browns come to Oakland to play what I believe will be a close and exciting game.

Neither team is spectacular on either side of the ball, but both teams have explosive players that can make plays and fill the stands.

Cleveland's biggest weakness going into the game is their young starting QB Colt McCoy. Though Jason Campbell is by no means the class of the league, he has plenty of experience over the Browns' young play-caller.

Peyton Hillis, one of the league's biggest surprises in 2010, will likely be poised for another great rushing year for the Browns. The Raiders' defense may be able to stop him, but it won't be easy.

This game will be won or lost in the trenches. Which ever team's offensive line is able to open up running lanes for their RBs better will come out on top.

Neither defense is all that fantastic, making this game hinge on a run-showdown between Hillis and McFadden.

I give this edge to McFadden just because he is better at cutting off blocks instead of running through everybody. Hillis will come out of this game bruised up from the Raiders' brutal tacklers like Richard Seymour.

Prediction:

 17-14 Raiders over Browns.

Week 7: Vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Raiders take on their divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, before going into their bye week.

The Chiefs won the AFC West in 2010, even though the Raiders won both of their matchups.

Jamaal Charles is entering 2011 as one of the league's best rushers and the combination of Dwayne Bowe and Matt Cassel equals offensive production. The addition of Jonathan Baldwin will likely help the Chiefs score points even more in 2011.

Overall, the Chiefs remained relatively untouched after 2011 free agency has shown the ability to make or break teams so far. Because the Chiefs were able to hold on to their key free agents on defense, I think they could be en route to another divisional title.

That being said, I think this game will be very close, the closest of the season for the Raiders.

If the Raiders defensive secondary is able to shut down Dwayne Bowe, I think that they will be able to focus on stopping Jamaal Charles from causing too much damage.

I'm calling an upset this week; I think Darren McFadden has a huge game and not only makes plays for himself, but opens up space for his teammates as well. It will be close, but I have the Raiders winning this matchup.

Prediction:

 17-14 Raiders over Chiefs.

Week 8: Bye

The Raiders have a much-needed bye in Week 8. They will need to rest up before resuming their season with two divisional games in a row when they return.

The team will enter their bye week with a respectable record of 4-3 with two divisional wins.

Unfortunately for Oakland, when their season resumes, they will have the bulk of their tough games.

Week 9: Vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos come to town for their second matchup of the season in Week 9.

By Week 9, I think the Broncos will have improved quite a bit from their Week 1 matchup with the Raiders, but I still think the Raiders will be the better team.

I think that by this time, the Broncos will give up on Kyle Orton (even though he doesn't deserve it), and start Tim Tebow at QB.

This will be a mistake, Tebow is nowhere near ready to be a starting NFL QB and will get eaten alive by the secondaries of their division.

I just don't think the Broncos have improved enough since last season to really move up their stock in 2011.

Prediction:

27-7 Raiders over Broncos

Week 10: At San Diego Chargers

The Raiders finally face the San Diego Chargers for the first time of the season in Week 10.

Fortunately for anyone who plays the Chargers early in the year, San Diego usually takes a few weeks to get the ball rolling. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they play the Chargers in Week 10.

By this time in the season, San Diego will be producing like a well-oiled machine. Fantasy Machine Phillip Rivers will be able to spread the ball around to Vincent Jackson, Antoinio Gates and Malcom Floyd. All three of whom are explosive playmakers that can really slant the game in San Diego's favor.

San Diego also took a step forward by not only re-signing safety Eric Weddle, but by signing safety Bob Sanders as well.

After holding on to a lot of key players, while improving in some areas as well, the Chargers could be a dangerous team in 2011.

The only key loss, in my opinion, is the loss of Darren Sproles who was very multidimensional and valuable to San Diego's offense. If Ryan Matthews is able to step up and have a big year, the Chargers won't have any issue winning their division.

Prediction:

28-17 Chargers over Raiders.

Week 11: At Minnesota Vikings

The Raiders travel (probably through a blizzard) to Minnesota to play the Vikings in Week 11. The Vikings are a big question mark on a lot of team's schedules this season.

I think that the Vikings really are a wild card in 2011. They could end up rebounding from a pathetic showing in 2010 and surprise some people, or they could simply repeat with a lack of offensive production.

I think the Vikings will surprise people and end up challenging for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs behind veteran QB Donovan McNabb who showed he can still make some plays in the team's first preseason game against Tennessee.

You always have to account for the league's best running back as well. Adrian Peterson is not shut down easily and will likely be a handful for the Raiders.

The Vikings' defense is traditionally very strong as well. Their run-stuffing mentality will make it hard for Darren McFadden to move the ball and could end up being the deciding factor in this matchup.

Though the Vikings have some major holes on both sides of the ball, I think they will have a big showing against the Raiders in a must-win game for Minnesota if they want to push for Wild Card contention.

Prediction:

 21-17 Vikings over Raiders.

Week 12: Vs. Chicago Bears

The defending NFC North Champions come to Oakland to face the Raiders in Week 12.

I think this game will be much closer than people will expect. The Bears' defense has been pretty dominant in the last few years, especially after the addition of Julius Peppers. However, the Bears' weak offensive line could be an equalizer in this matchup.

If the Bears can't keep Jay Cutler off his back in this game, the Raiders could be in a position to pull off the upset.

Historically, the Bears are worse in years following good seasons. So by that logic, Chicago is due for a bad year. I stand by my statement that the Bears' offensive line will be their Achilles heel in 2011.

Prediction:

28-21 Raiders upset Bears

Week 13: At Miami Dolphins

In Week 13, the Raiders travel to South Beach to take on the fins.

Miami is a franchise that could see some turmoil in 2011. They still lack a viable starting QB and threatening playmakers on the outside.

The Dolphins stagnant offense should be easily contained by the Raiders whose defense is superior to the Dolphins' offense.

Miami's defense fairly strong, however, which could make moving the ball difficult for Darren McFadden and the Raiders.

This week's matchup will surely be the most defense-oriented battle on the Raider's schedule. The turnover battle will decide who wins this game. Miami corner Vontae Davis is a true playmaker on defense for the Dolphins. Oakland will have to not only take care of the ball on offense, but create turnovers on defense just to stay in the game.

By running the ball more than airing it out, the Raiders should be able to limit the turnovers and come out on top.

Prediction:

24-21 Raiders over Dolphins

Week 14: At Green Bay Packers

After traveling to warm and sunny Miami, the Raiders will have a cold wake-up call when they travel to Lambeau Field to play the defending Super Bowl champion Packers in week fourteen.

The Packers seem to be the consensus to repeat as the NFC representative to Super Bowl XLVI. Even after having so many players on IR in 2010, they still managed to come up with the big win over Pittsburgh to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to "title town."

If the Packers are able to avoid serious injuries to key players like Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings, they shouldn't have much of a problem with most of the team on their schedule—including the Raiders.

The Packers are one of the most complete teams in the NFL.They have dominant players and play makers on both sides of the ball.

The Raiders might as well not even get off the plane.

Prediction:

 34-17 Packers over Raiders.

Week 15: Vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions come to Oakland in Week 15.

Detroit really is one of the league's Wild Cards as well. All four NFC North teams could have good years and any of them could end up in the playoffs. It is strange to include the Lions in that classification, but they really have improved to a point where they can be considered for a playoff berth.

If Matthew Stafford is able to stay healthy for the whole season, the Lions could be a very dangerous team. Ndamukong Suh is already one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL and he was a rookie last season.

The Raiders will have to step up on defense in this game if they hope to win. Their offense won't be enough to win them this game.

Overall, I think the Lions are just the better team going into this game. I think that the Lions could be pushing to make the playoffs at this point, which will make the game that much more of a must-win for them.

Prediction:

 27-10 Lions over Raiders.

Week 16: At Kansas City Chiefs

By the time the Raiders visit the Chiefs in Week 16, they will already be out of contention for a playoff berth.

The Chiefs and the Chargers will be competing for the division championship and the only thing the Raiders can hope to do at this point is mess things up for both teams.

In the end, though, I think the Chiefs have the edge after dropping the first of two matchups in 2011.

Prediction:

 31-17 Chiefs over Raiders

Week 17: Vs. San Diego Chargers

The Raiders will wrap up their 2011 campaign at home against the Chargers.

I think the Chargers are the front-runners for the AFC West division title and this second matchup with the Raiders will be one last speed-bump before the playoffs.

Just like the week preceding this one, the Raiders can only hope to throw some kind of monkey-wrench in the Chargers' machine before playoffs begin.

Normally, I would say that the Chargers would rest their starters before playoffs, but I think the race for the division title with the Chiefs will come all the way down to Week 17.

I think the Chargers put the nails in the coffin in the final week of the regular season.

Prediction:

 28-10 Chargers over Raiders.

Conclusion

After a long 2011 campaign, I predict the Raiders come out with a respectable record of 7-9, finishing third in their division.

I think that the team takes a step back from last season because of key losses like Nnamdi Asomugha and Zack Miller.

Though they were able to hold on to some key players, they will really be hurting after losing arguably their two best players.

I think the Raiders have a long way to go before being relevant in the playoff picture, but overall still have a very talented team, capable of upsetting some of the league's best.

Hope you've enjoyed the read and please feel free to leave comments or questions.

You can follow me on Twitter @MCNick92