Oakland Raiders look like a playoff team this year

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Oakland Raider wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs for a touchdown after making a second quarter catch as San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) and cornerback Jason Verrett (22) give chase at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Receiving Weapons

The running game has improved with the run-blocking of the offensive line and running of Murray. The offensive line was already one of the best pass-protecting offensive lines in the NFL last year and that hasn’t changed. What the Raiders didn’t have last year was receivers that could consistently get open and catch the ball.

But now, with the acquisition of Michael Crabtree and the drafting of Amari Cooper, the Raiders are fully loaded. And it doesn’t stop there, the Raiders finally have their next great tight end, Clive Walford, who’s a vertical tight end. Then of course, there’s Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece, who can also get vertical.

This offense is so explosive now, ranked No. 9 in the NFL in passing yards and No. 12 in passes completed over 20 yards. The Raiders passing attack is also within 2 strikes of the NFL lead in pass completions over 40 yards. Those big plays are due in large part to Cooper having the speed to get deep and ability to take a short pass to the house.

He even beat Darrelle Revis deep on the Raiders’ first offensive play but the throw was off the mark. Crabtree is a chain-mover that does all the dirty work over the middle but will beat you down the field if you focus too much on Cooper. Of course, Reece is already a known commodity but Walford is just getting started after but injured throughout training camp.

Next: Franchise quarterback