JBB Staff Column: Five Questions on the Oakland Raiders

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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Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. If the Raiders do make the playoffs, how far will they advance?

Blackhanside: Depends, East coast games? 1st round exit. West Coast? Championship.

Brazy: I think they win it all. Super homer, but so what. Ha.

Dylan: If they do end up beating the Broncos on the road in Week 17 for the last spot, they’ll come up short on the road in the Wild Card game. But you know what, after 13 years of heartache, I’d take it.

Justin: I think with their lack of experience and the amount of youth on this team, that they lose their wildcard game as they’ll likely have to travel to a cold-weather climate or potential East Coast opponent, neither of which is their strength.

Nick: As a wildcard team, Oakland will play in the opening week of the playoffs. They’ll face either a #3 or #4 seed, and I think they’ll pull off the upset.

Seth: Divisional round.

Tyler D.: Loss in the divisional round. I don’t know if this team is at the point of “elite” yet — we need one more year in my opinion.

Tyler R.: If having a healthy Mario Edwards Jr. and a non-suspended Aldon Smith, while also having just clinched the AFC West in Denver ensuring a home game at the Coliseum, the AFC Championship game is absolutely plausible.

A likely matchup with the Patriots or Steelers would be epic and a true test for Carr and Del Rio. Not to mention a salute to the past, with both franchises having been a thorn in the side of Raider Nation. The Raiders road ends at the AFC Championship game.

Next: Raiders Question #4: Breakout players?

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