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Why the Oakland Raiders are Making the NFL Playoffs in 2015

By Elias Trejo

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August 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs with the football against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

“The Raiders have a quality and deep 53 man Roster”

Without listing too many more reasons here are a couple more.

Amari Cooper

Cooper has 15 receptions, 243 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks facing Joe Haden and Jimmy Smith. He’s become an X-Factor and already one of the most explosive receivers in the league.

Offensive Line

The Raiders offensive line was the 5th rated offensive line on ProFootballFocus heading into Week 3. They only allowed 3 pressures on Sunday with no sacks or QB hits. In fact, the Raiders offensive line have only allowed three sacks and 12 QB hits which are both among the best in the league.  The Raiders offensive line is allowing their backs to average more rush yards per attempt than anyone else in the league with 4.8 yards per carry.

Front 7

The Raiders front 7 in 2015 is completely revamped. The only remaining starters from last year’s team are Khalil Mack, Justin Tuck and Justin Ellis. The Raiders have added Aldon Smith, Dan Williams, Malcolm Smith, and Curtis Lofton. Once this unit starts to gel together things will get scary for opposing offenses and better for the Raiders secondary.

So maybe this article is filled with optimism and complete lunacy, but don’t let the last 12 years fool you, the 2015 Oakland Raiders are a completely different team and they’re ready to make the playoffs.

For more NFL Opinions follow me on Twitter: @Elias_Trejo

Next: Did Any Raiders Have One Of The Best Rookie Seasons Ever?

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