NFL 2010 Season Predictions: AFC West Oakland Raiders

Today we have the Oakland Raiders.

Again, sorry about the break. I was just moving into my new place, so I will post four today. Check them all out.

Oakland Raiders

Last Season: 5-11

2010 NFL Draft: LB Rolando McClain (Alabama, Rd. 1/Pick 8), DT Lamarr Houston (Texas, Rd. 2/Pick 12), OT Edwin Veldheer (Hillsdale, Rd. 3/Pick 5), OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland, Rd. 4/Pick 8), WR Jacoby Ford (Clemson, Rd. 4/Pick 10), CB Walter McFadden (Auburn, Rd. 5/Pick 7), LB Travis Goethel (Arizona St., Rd. 6/Pick 21), CB Jeremy Ware (Michigan St., Rd. 7/Pick 8), S Steven Brown (Michigan, Rd. 7./Pick 44)

Key Additions: QB Kyle Boller (from Rams), QB Jason Campbell (from Redskins), RB Rock Cartwright (from Redskins), DT Chris Cooper (from FA), DE Quentin Groves (from Jaguars), DT John Henderson (from Jaguars), G Daniel Loper (from Lions), TE John Owens (from Seahawks), LB Kamerion Wimbley (from Browns)

Key Losses: DE Greg Ellis (Released), RB Justin Fargas (Released), OT Cornell Green (to Bills), LB Kirk Morrison (to Jaguars), FB Oren O’Neal (Released), QB JaMarcus Russell (Released), WR Javon Walker (Released), DT Gerard Warren (to Patriots)

2010 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Titans

Week 2: Rams

Week 3: @ Cardinals

Week 4: Texans

Week 5: Chargers

Week 6: @ 49ers

Week 7: @ Broncos

Week 8: Seahawks

Week 9: Chiefs

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: @ Steelers

Week 12: Dolphins

Week 13: @ Chargers

Week 14: @ Jaguars

Week 15: Broncos

Week 16: Colts

Week 17: @ Chiefs

Analysis: Is this really Al Davis’ Raiders? The old man may have finally come around and stopped with his crazy antics to create a team that can compete for the first time since 2002. Getting rid of a terrible first overall pick in Russell was the first step. Campbell will be a descent starting quarterback. He may not be the best in the NFL, but he can create plays. Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was a controversial pick in last year’s draft, has improved in the off-season and Ford should add good depth to the receiving corp. Zach Miller is an outstanding tight end. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush should provide an explosive backfield that should round out a pretty good scoring offense. With the help form the draft, the offensive line should improve as well. The defense shouldn’t be terrible, with the help from one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Nnamdi Asomugha. McClain will be an immediate starter and Houston adds depth to the defensive line. The team has great chance at competing in the division.

2010 Season Predictions: 6-10, Second in AFC West