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JBB Staff Column: Five Questions on the Oakland Raiders

By Nick Hjeltness

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) warm up before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) warm up before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) reacts in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) reacts in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Will the Raiders 13-year playoff drought end in 2016? If so, via wildcard or by winning the division?

Blackhanside: The Raiders squeak into the playoffs by way of wildcard.

Brazy: Yes, they will win the division.

Dylan: With the Pats, Steelers, Texans, and Chiefs winning their respective divisions, that leaves two spots for the Bengals, Broncos, Colts, Raiders, and an up-and-coming Jaguars team.

The Bengals are a near-lock, so we could be looking at a Week 17 matchup between the Raiders and Broncos — winner takes the Wild Card.

Justin: Yes, via wildcard. I believe the Broncos can win the division with their running game and defense, and that Paxton Lynch will start sooner than later and play well. I believe the Raiders will finish second in the division, tied with KC, at 10-6.

Nick: Yes. The division will be tough, with three teams battling for top dog. Oakland is close, but still unproven. I think they’ll do enough to earn a wildcard berth.

Seth: Yes, via wildcard.

Tyler D.: I think if the season flows the Raiders way and they go10-6, they’ll win the division and play a wildcard team at home.

Tyler R.: The 13-year playoff drought will end this season — whether by division title or wildcard, I’m not sure. As seen last night, Denver still has a very scary defense, and a compatible flow of offensive play calling and execution that will not hurt them to the point of throwing them out of playoff contention.

In a 10-6 scenario, the division title could very well come down to the Week 17 showdown in Denver. Oakland will win that contest, and finally host a playoff game for the first time since 2003.

Next: Raiders Question #3: Playoff run?

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