2011 Oakland Raiders NFL Expert Predictions, Picks, 2012 Vegas Super Bowl Odds and Schedule – Oakland Raiders NFL Football Season Preview: Since reaching the Super Bowl in 2002, the Oakland Raiders have become somewhat of a side show thanks to the antics of owner Al Davis. Despite the questionable draft picks and even crazier comments, the franchise does appear to be heading in the right direction. Coming off an 8-8 season, the Raiders actually have reason to believe that they can compete for the AFC West crown. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen, but for the first time in a long time, Davis’ team is relevant.
The sudden success of the Raiders can be attributed mainly to the running game. Last season, only the Kansas City Chiefs amassed more rushing yards than Oakland. A big part of the ground game’s success was excellent play form the Oakland offensive line. While the unit did lose veteran guard Robert Gallery, the addition of Stefen Wisniewski should allow the line to remain one of the best in the conference.
Taking advantage of the holes created by the guys up front will once again be Oakland’s two-headed monster at running back. The feature back will once again be Darren McFadden, who enjoyed a breakout campaign season a year ago, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 10 times. McFadden flashed his big play ability throughout the season, breaking big runs and adding more than 500 receiving yards as well. His running mate was power back Michael Bush, who ran for almost 700 yards in his own right. The two give the raiders the classic thunder and lightning combination that was even tougher to stop behind a strong offensive line.
While the ground game should be effective for the Raiders once again, the passing game is likely to struggle. Quarterback Jason Campbell has brought consistency to the position, but a lack of reliable targets has and will probably to continue to limit his effectiveness. Former first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bay has been a bust up to this point, and tight end Zach Miller left in free agency after leading the Raiders in catches the last three seasons. Rookie Denarius Moore has shown promise in the preseason, but Campbell’s main job this season will be to keep defenses honest enough to allow the ground attack to thrive.
Defensively, the Raiders will have a different look after the departure of shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The strength of the unit will now shift to the defensive front, which is loaded with veteran talent. Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, John Henderson and Lamarr Houston all see time on the field, along with up and coming star Matt Shaughnessy. With middle linebacker Rolando McClain entering his second season, the Oakland defensive front could be one of the toughest in the NFL. If the secondary can just holds its own without Asomugha, the Raiders should have a solid unit.
In the end, the Raiders ability to establish some sort of a passing attack will determine whether or not they take the next step and compete for a division title. It is one thing to pile up a lot of rushing yards, but finishing off drives is tough when an offense is one dimensional. Granted, Oakland has the powerful leg of Sebastian Janikowski to fall back on, but kicking field goals all the time isn’t a recipe for success. With Kansas City being more or less a better version of Oakland and San Diego ready to return to form after getting healthy in the offseason, it is going to be hard for the Raiders to progress. Another season at or near .500 is likely, but the playoffs will likely remain out of reach.
Preseason 2011 Oakland Raiders NFL Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 Super Bowl: +7500
Odds to Win 2011 AFC Championship: +2850
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2011 Oakland Raiders NFL Football Schedule
1 Monday Sep. 12 10:15 PM at Broncos – – Tickets
2 Sunday Sep. 18 1:00 PM at Bills – – –
3 Sunday Sep. 25 4:05 PM Jets – – Tickets
4 Sunday Oct. 2 4:15 PM Patriots – – Tickets
5 Sunday Oct. 9 1:00 PM at Texans – – Tickets
6 Sunday Oct. 16 4:05 PM Browns – – Tickets
7 Sunday Oct. 23 4:05 PM Chiefs – – Tickets
8 Bye Week
9 Sunday Nov. 6 4:05 PM Broncos – – Tickets
10 Thursday Nov. 10 8:20 PM at Chargers – – Tickets
11 Sunday Nov. 20 1:00 PM at Vikings – – Tickets
12 Sunday Nov. 27 4:05 PM Bears – – Tickets
13 Sunday Dec. 4 1:00 PM at Dolphins – – –
14 Sunday Dec. 11 1:00 PM at Packers – – Tickets
15 Sunday Dec. 18 4:05 PM Lions – – Tickets
16 Saturday Dec. 24 1:00 PM at Chiefs – – Tickets
17 Sunday Jan. 1 4:15 PM Chargers – – Tickets
Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 NFL Over Under Team Wins Odds and Predictions and 2011 AFC West Odds and Predictions articles.
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