Win the AFC West
6-10 and last place in the AFC West. That has been the sentiment around the sports landscape when it comes to what the Oakland Raiders will do within their division this season. For me, that is not going to happen, and there are a number of reasons why.
First off, Khalil Mack has to get back to the team, as he is crucial if the Raiders want to be successful in 2018. Second, the team has a better coaching staff, an easier schedule, and much-more talented roster than they had a year go.
Quarterback Derek Carr has looked amazing this summer, and is headed towards his best season as a pro. Los Angeles has already been riddled with injuries, like they always are, and the Kansas City Chiefs second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has looked downright terrible in his first training camp as the team’s starter.
Denver has a ton of question marks all over their roster, and it will be very tough for quarterback Case Keenum to have the kind of year he did last season with Minnesota. All in all, the Raiders have the best shot to win the division, and will have some early season tests to show why they are the best team in the AFC West.
So there you have it, five realistic expectations for the Silver and Black this season. While many feel they will finish at the bottom of the AFC West, I just do not see it, and with Gruden stalking the sidelines once again, this team will have the never-say-die attitude they showed so many times during the 2016 campaign.