#28 Oakland Raiders

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

A team with a disastrous history, but I can see what owner Al Davis is trying to do here. He has drafted a talented running back in Darren McFadden, and Justin Fargas is no slouch. The much criticized drafting of Darrius Heyward-Bey may actually be a far better choice THIS year as opposed to the diva Michael Crabtree. Finally, they have a young quarterback in JaMarcus Russell who has the arm to BOMB it down to Heyward-Bey. What do you see Al Davis doing? Remember Aikman, Smith and Irvin?

Also, who should not be forgotten is Nnamdi Asomugha who now plays opposite Justin Miller. The Raiders have actually had well above average defenses the past few years, if that core of players sticks around for a while - don't be surprised to see the Raiders win about 6 games this upcoming season.

1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 10:15 PM
2 Sep 20 OAK @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
4 Oct 04 OAK @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM
5 Oct 11 OAK @ NYG Giants Stadium 1:00 PM
6 Oct 18 PHI @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
7 Oct 25 NYJ @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD Qualcomm Stadium 4:05 PM
9 Bye
10 Nov 15 KC @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
12 Nov 26 OAK @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 4:15 PM
13 Dec 06 OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM
14 Dec 13 WAS @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High 4:05 PM
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 1:00 PM
17 Jan 03 BAL @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM

It's not that difficult of a schedule. They can beat the Chiefs who will have a QB battle still recently on their tail. They could likely defeat the Texans thanks to the Raiders pass D, and the same goes with Cincy, but that is dependent on Carson Palmer's arm. Considering Denver's potential to be a disaster, I'd chalk that in as a win, and of course, taking out the Browns should be easy.

Call it an optimistic outlook, but the Raiders could finish 7-9.

- Dave