The Raiders are on the doorstep of becoming playoff contenders due to a great rebuild with near perfect timing.
Strong drafts in 2014 and 2015 gave the Raiders cornerstones to build upon. Derek Carr is developing into a top tier franchise quarterback with a promising duo in Pro-bowl wider receiver Amari Cooper while Khalil Mack acts as the defensive anchor.
There are questions on the strength of the Raiders’ picks in the 2016 draft, but the NFL offseason ran through Oakland. Kelechi Osemele adds an extra punch to a deafening offensive line while defensive additions of Sean Smith and Bruce Irvin strengthen the defensive core.
The Raiders can win the AFC West after two successful years because of a few key reasons. The Raiders’ schedule ranks as No. 15 in difficulty, but only Phillip Rivers, Drew Brees, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton rank as a clear better quarterback in a Derek Carr matchup. With the Panthers, Colts, Ravens and Falcons as their toughest games it seems easy to guess the Raiders can go 10-6, depending how their games against the Chiefs and Broncos turn out.
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With such a favorable schedule the Raiders can really make this a season to supplant themselves in the AFC hierarchy. The Denver Broncos are confusing fans and analysts alike with their quarterback controversy while the Chiefs remain good, but nothing special. For the Raiders to take over the Broncos chokehold on the division, a title they have worn for five years, they need to sweep the two-game series. A 5-1 division record would boost them into the playoff stratosphere.
If the offensive line delivers as it is coveted as one of the best in the league on paper, Carr will have a career year while the running game hits new heights. Latavius Murray crept into the thousand yard mark on 4 yards a carry, but his performance can take the next step and the offense will be multi-dimensional; firing on all cylinders.
The downfall to the Raiders in 2015 was their defense. Ranking in the bottom 10 in 2015, the Raiders front office spoiled the team with a number of offseason acquisitions. Losing Charles Woodson to Canton will be hard to replace, but with defensive minded Jack Del Rio pacing the sidelines, the transition should be easy for the newly minted Raiders. The offense will carry this team, but a top half defense will certainly put them shoulders above the competition in the AFC West.
With an easier schedule, a turbulent division, and a very young and skilled group on both offensive and defensive sides of the ball; 2016 is the year for the Raiders to just win baby.