Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from the 2018 schedule release

The NFL released the full 2018 schedule for the upcoming season. What stood out most about the Oakland Raiders 16-game slate?

In April, the NFL tosses out the full schedule as a topic to discuss other than the draft. Each team knew their opponents for the upcoming campaign, but now we have the sequence. What can we take away from the Oakland Raiders‘ 16-game slate?

Due to injuries, extended road trips and bye weeks, the when holds just as much importance as the who in weekly matchups. Despite going 6-10 in the previous season, the Silver and Black have four contests in the prime-time slot—wink, wink to head coach Jon Gruden.

There’s an intrigue around this team with Gruden’s transition from the Monday Night Football booth back to the sidelines. Let’s face it. Whether the Raiders flourish or flop, most want to know how it all turns out. We’ll see the scenario play out on the national stage against tough competition.

Beyond the key games on the 2018 schedule, what should fans pay close attention to during the upcoming season? Where are the convenient and rough spots? How will the team handle the four-month season marathon?

The league didn’t ease Gruden back into the picture. He’s going to dive into the mix head first in Week 1.