Oakland Raiders: Win-Loss Predictions For Every Game In 2015

Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) talks with wide receiver A.J. Green (18) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 – Cincinnati Bengals 

The Raiders kick off the season with a visit from former Head Coach Hue Jackson who is now the offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson will also be joined by former receiver Denarius Moore who at one point was a star with the Raiders but fell off in recent seasons. Jackson still has many admirers among Raider Nation who believe that he was unfairly dismissed and replaced by a unqualified coach in Dennis Allen.

The reason for Jackson’s dismissal had more to do with his decision to trade for Carson Palmer then anything that happened on the field. Jackson took advantage of the power vacuum after Al Davis’s death and bet the farm on a 31-year-old quarterback who refused to play for his old club and was never the same after his early ACL injury. Palmer played well enough for the Raiders but would make key errors at inopportune times which kept the Raiders from ever truly contending.

The Raiders will look to show that ownership made the right decision in dismissing Jackson and will hope to get their season off to a good start against a playoff team that is more known for underachieving than anything else. The Bengals are a far better team on paper then the Raiders but Andy Dalton is a wildcard. Still it is hard to see the Raiders keep pace with this offense and score consistently against a very good Bengals defense.

Prediction: Loss

Record: 0-1

Next: Week 2