Oakland Raiders: 7 last-minute predictions ahead of the 2019 season
Conclusion
The most likely scenario for this season will be that something goes wrong. That isn’t unique to the Oakland Raiders, specifically, but as a sports fan, you have to accept that reality.
How much actually goes wrong, however, will likely determine how different the team looks as they take their talents to Las Vegas.
According to Vegas, the Oakland Raiders have an over/under win total of six this season. That’s improved from last season’s paltry total of four, but it wouldn’t feel fantastic to still lose ten either. There’s a good chance the under still reigns supreme there.
The chances of those odds being completely wrong are extremely low. And when a team like the Raiders are out of it, there have to be other things being looked at and built toward.
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At a crossroads, this season will be make-or-break for several identifiable characters in this story.
For the Raiders to not only stay intact going into the new decade but also exceed that benchmark of six wins, the young roster will have to produce from the get-go.
Those players that performed well in their rookie seasons last year will need to continue making strides. The new batch of rookies this year will have to step up into big roles and contribute on a consistent basis. Gruden will be expecting a lot out of his young guys.
The Raiders have wisely opted to build a team through good drafting, paired with a refined selection of established pieces. It still remains to be seen just how good that Raiders are at drafting, and it remains to be seen if the acquisitions will be a huge lift or a huge detriment.
In any case, as we enter what could be the final season that the Raiders call Oakland, California home, the team has a number of compelling storylines that will need an ending written before the book finally closes.
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No matter what happens this season, no matter the win total, no matter the individual performances, one thing will be sure.
The Oakland Raiders will be an immensely fun team to follow.