Oakland Raiders: 5 Keys To Success In 2015

November 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans celebrate during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 AFC West is a wide open race. Every team in the division has a legitimate chance at competing for the title this season, and yes that includes the bottom-dwelling Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders have not made the postseason since 2002 when they lost Super Bowl XXXVII to the Buccaneers. In the last 21 years, the team has only been to the postseason three times, including only two seasons with over five wins in the last 12. Frankly, the Oakland Raiders have not been a good team.

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All that could be changing, as the team has made some crucial improvements in the last two seasons, and seem to be gearing up for a run at a division title. They could be another few years away from truly competing in the league, but it’s very likely that they’ll be vying for a playoff spot come December.

The team’s young players must improve and avoid distractions, but if they can stay focused, I think the Raiders could have a very good 2015 season.

Next: Derek Carr