JBB Staff Roundtable: Oakland Raiders 2016 Season

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

What is your way too early prediction for the 2017 season?

Brazy

AFC West crown, no. 1 seed in the playoffs, avenge the Tuck Rule and start our dynasty to not 6, not 7, not 8…

Daniel Carrigy

Way too early prediction is 13-3. The offense should flourish with Downing at the helm, and Carr should put up even better numbers as a result.

Defensively is where I think McKenzie will focus in free agency and (obviously) in the draft. Very likely picks one and two are both on defense. Even making the defense a middle of the pack unit as opposed to last, that’s one heck of a boost.

Evan Ball

Amari Cooper goes over 1,200 yards. Khalil Mack, DPOY. Also, comeback of the year goes to Derek Carr’s pinky.

Gagan Aujla

My way too early prediction is that Todd Downing opens up the playbook and Derek Carr throws for 4,500 yards, 35 TD’s and wins MVP. And the Raiders will win the AFC West and get a first-round bye.

Justin Smith

The defense will be a top 10 unit and change games. Khalil Mack is pissed and embarrassed. KNJ has heard the noise calling for his firing and how terrible he is at his job. Karl Joseph is a huge difference maker who will be fully healthy and actually have an offseason of football behind him. MEJ will hopefully be healthy. Aldon may be back.

The Raiders have few needs on the offensive side of the ball, so expect the draft to focus heavily on defensive talent at DT, MLB and the secondary. There are some top-tier FA on the market and the Raiders are now a top destination for NFL FA’s with money to spend (for now) and a young, talented roster and excellent coaching staff to offer.

We will add a top-tier DB like Bouye, Trumaine Johnson or maybe even Eric Berry (not likely), and they will make a huge difference in regards to coverage sacks, of which we had basically none this year. This defense will rock the house in 2017.

Maliik Obee

10-6.

The schedule gets a lot tougher, and winning on the road will be vital. Reggie McKenzie is faced with a offseason where he has to fire on all cylinders. The AFC West is getting better, and Raiders have many holes.

Mario Tovar

Schedule will be tougher, no doubt, but its hard to say. What about the draft? Free agency? And let’s not forget…Aldon Smith.

I’ll say 11-5.

Nick Hjeltness

Derek Carr will win the 2017 MVP. The Raiders, even with a tougher schedule, again finish 12-4 — but this time it’s enough to win the division.

As the no. 2 seed in the AFC, the Raiders win their first playoff game and head to the AFC Championship to play…you guessed it — the no. 1 seed New England Patriots.

Revenge will never taste so sweet.

Robert Pfeifer

My prediction hinges upon the performance of soon-to-be 40-year-old Tom Brady and the Raiders health next season.

Oakland will add a solid piece (or three) in free agency and the draft, as they are now arguably the most attractive free agent destination in the league. They also have cap space to work with, even after you consider they must soon re-sign Carr, Khalil Mack, Cooper & Gabe Jackson.

At full strength Oakland was arguably the second best team in football this season. Things are trending up. I predict they make the AFC Championship game at least as a top 2 seed and advance to the Super Bowl, if the game is in Oakland.

If they make the Super Bowl they will win over any NFC team.

RYNE

The Raiders blow the Patriots out in Mexico. #VaultMe

Segun Giwa

My way too early prediction is an MVP award for Derek Carr in 2017. I believe he will come back from his injury with a vengeance, putting up huge numbers with new and improved play calling.

Seth Murphy

I think repeating at 12-4 is realistic, but hopefully with more post season success.

Tyler Dickson

I think the Raiders do worse and go 10-6 only because we usually have to travel a lot and will face a tougher schedule next year.

Next: Mack Should Be DPOY

That’ll do it for our staff roundtable to cap the Raiders 2016 season. Interested in contributing to the conversation? Drop your answers to the five questions in the comments.