Why the Oakland Raiders are Making the NFL Playoffs in 2015

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

“Derek Carr is leading the charge for the Raiders in 2015”

It’s natural to look at the NFL standings and be a little skeptical of the Raiders 2-1 start. How could you not be? It’s the Oakland Raiders. The same franchise who has lost 10 or more games in 10 out of the last 12 seasons. The same franchise who drafted JaMarcus Russell over Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson.  How can the Raiders even be taken seriously? Well to start, this is definitely not the “same ol’ Raiders,” that you’re used to.

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Now some will say that projecting the Raiders to make the playoffs is “optimism bordering lunacy,” but is it really? If this was another team besides the Raiders, who have created a bad stigma over the last 12 years, and they had these pieces, would they be viewed differently? No one is going to give the Raiders respect until they earn it and 2015 is the year the Raiders earn it.

Here are five reasons the Raiders make the playoffs in 2015.

Next: Is Carr the Best QB in the AFC?