NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
Oakland Raiders
Yikes.
The Raiders, despite not finishing with the worst record, were the worst team in the NFL by the majority of statistical measures, and while they brought in some quality veterans, the cupboard is still bare. Rookie QB Derek Carr has beat out Matt Schaub as the opening day starter (no, really, he has), and while he has talent, that could be an adventure in year one. The running back corps of Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden looks incredible on paper, but MJD struggled a year ago and McFadden simply can’t stay on the field. Throw in a well below-average group of receivers “headlined” by James Jones, and it is easy to envision a bottom-5 offense.
In all likelihood, the front seven will be respectable in Oakland. The Raiders brought in Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley on veteran deals, and drafted high-impact OLB Khalil Mack with a top-5 pick to fortify that group. Still, the secondary was flatly bad a year ago, and I’m not sure it will be any better.
There is a recipe for Oakland to make a run at 6-7 wins, but that is if everything goes right, and Derek Carr isn’t the answer as a rookie.
The Pick: 3-13