2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

Looking Back: The Silver and Black finally returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Quarterback Derek Carr and the Oakland offense was the major reasons why. But the third-year signal-caller went down with a broken leg in a Week 16 win over the Colts. And Jack Del Rio’s team would go out quietly in the wild card round.

Looking Forward: The Raiders’ quarterback figures to be ready sooner than later. And if his first three seasons are any indication, this is an offensive unit that will only get better thanks in large part to his heady play. Oakland ranked sixth in the league in total offense and rushing but general manager Reggie McKenzie must decide on whether to bring back running back Latavius Murray and at what price. The rest of the offense remains intact. But the defense needs another year of fine-tuning despite a number of key additions last offseason. Of course, learning how to beat the Kansas City Chiefs would help as well.

Offseason needs: The offense is one of the best in the league. But when this unit sticks the ball in the end zone 46 times and the defense allows 45 offensive touchdowns, you won’t be going very far in terms of the playoffs. This is a team that features 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack and spent big money last year on free agents Sean Smith and ball hawk Reggie Nelson. But the end result was disappointing and it looks like McKenzie is going to have to focus on this side of the football for a second consecutive offseason.