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Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season over-under predictions

By Maurice Moton

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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26 Dec 1998: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 31-24.
26 Dec 1998: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 31-24. /

Raiders: Over/Under 7 Wins

Thus far, USA Today and ESPN posted their NFL win totals for all 32 teams. Both projected a 7-9 season for the Raiders.

Where’s the love? Well, Gruden’s absence from the sideline leads the concerns for this team. As noted, Oakland’s recent defensive struggles also bring some doubt. Lastly, there are questions about Carr as a solid franchise quarterback after the previous season.

Nonetheless, when looking at the schedule and the Raiders roster, it’s a team that should reach .500 at the least. They upgraded the offense. The offseason moves suggest a shift toward an unwavering effort to rush the passer, which helps mask potential lapses in coverage.

Looking at the 2018 schedule, Oakland only plays four teams that made the postseason last year. The Kansas City Chiefs, with a first-year starter at quarterback, account for two of those contests.

Of course, we have to factor offseason roster improvements across the league, but the Raiders also play in a division that doesn’t have a clear-cut frontrunner.

The Los Angeles Chargers roster looks strong, and they’re garnering some hype. USA Today projects them to reach Super Bowl 53:

Next: Raiders: 6 Critical training camp battles to watch

However, it’s club that fell short on expectations in the recent past with a seven-time Pro Bowl quarterback in Philip Rivers at the helm. We don’t know how Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes will look under center after just one start in 2017. Is Case Keenum a legitimate starter or a one-year wonder under center?

With so many questions in the AFC West and the number of teams looking for a bounce-back season on the schedule, Gruden will continue his streak of avoiding losing seasons in Oakland. 

Projection: Over

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