2011 NFL Team Preview
Oakland Raiders
2010 Record: 8-8
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 9-7
Outlook:
The Oakland Raiders are considered by some to be one of those "up and coming" teams. But they are designated that more times than not. Owner Al Davis really does want to win football games. He just goes about everything in a wacky fashion. Their history is loaded with Al signing unproven or under qualified players to ridiculous contracts and then wasting plenty of time and energy trying to get rid of them. It seems the last few years are not totally under Al Davis' control and as harsh as this seems, it may be best for Raiders fans. They are now drafting logically and signing players to regular contracts and the players they sign have upside potential. QB Jason Campbell is turning out to be a good signing and emerging stars like Jacoby Ford at WR are proving to be smart additions by management.
Strengths: Oakland will have solid passing attack. They already have a fantastic rushing attack (ranked second in the NFL with 2.494 yards). So offensively we should see them really generate some points and give long ailing Raiders fans something to cheer about. Defensively, the Raiders secondary allowed a league second best 3,027 yards passing. But oddly enough they somehow allowed 29 passing touchdowns as well. The potential is there to really shut down the opponents passing game.
Weaknesses: There aren't many weaknesses left on this team, besides the ownership and constantly changing management. Like mentioned before, they need to cut down on scoring passes and trim down the rushing yards allowed a bit. If they do these two things we are talking about a Raiders program that, barring sabotage by Al Davis, is headed for the playoffs most certainly.
Betting Prognosis: Oddsmakers still don't know exactly what to make of this Raider team. So early on you may see weak lines. We aren't totally positive about the Raiders either so telling you to bet them early would be most cavalier. In week one, the Raiders are (+3) at Denver. The recent turmoil in Denver makes me like Oakland in this matchup. I don't like it enough to bet serious money but maybe throw a nickel on it.
Key Matchups:
Week 1 at Denver - Denver is -3 and we like Oakland to win or cover. But this is not a very strong pick. A great deal can change in this time and if Tebow starts and Denver looks hungry watch out. Bet Oakland if Tebow doesn't start.
Week 3 vs Jets - Great test against one of the best teams in the AFC. If Oakland is getting 3.5 or more at home we will seriously consider taking them.
Week 4 vs New England - Again another big test at home. Don't be very surprised if Oakland wins this game outright.
