2019 NFL power rankings; Patriots back on top…again

Preview: In this his second year of his second go-around with the Silver and Black, Jon Gruden brought in former television “rival” Mike Mayock this offseason to be the team’s general manager. And once again, the Raiders were very active when it came to obtaining better veteran talent. The highlight was swinging the trade for prolific wide receiver Antonio Brown, who’s been one of the more talked about players in the league this offseason. The club also spent big bucks on tackle Trent Brown, signed linebacker Vontaze Bufict and added three first-round picks in defensive and Clelin Ferrell, workhorse running back Josh Jacobs and promising defensive back Johnathan Abram.

Next Week: Last season on a Monday night in Week 16, the team was were thought to have played their last game in Oakland. But now they kick off the season against the same opponent they beat that evening. And it’s also worth noting that the Raiders and Broncos have split their two-game set four straight years dating back to 2015.

Playoff hopes: There’s been one playoff appearance in 2003 and no postseason wins since ‘02. It’s another revamped roster for the Silver and Black, although this club seems to have more talent than other recent editions. Can Gruden meld this into a cohesive unit? Getting past the Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West is no easy feat.

Preview: John Elway has once again made a change at the top as celebrated defensive mind Vic Fangio is the team’s fourth different head coach since 2014. The latter spent the previous four seasons building what eventually proved to be quite the formidable defense in Chicago. He’s far from the only newcomer as the club trade for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. He figures to be the team’s fifth different starting quarterback since 2016. Fangio could make outside linebacker Von Miller and Bradley Chubb the best pass-rushing combo in the league. Phillip Lindsay keys the running game but the team does have some question marks along the offensive front.

Next Week: It’s the traditional clash with the rival Raiders at Oakland, the back end of the Week 1 Monday night doubleheader. The Broncos have not fared well on the road in this series as of late, dropping three straight in the Bay Area to the Silver and Black dating back to 2016. The home club has won the last six games in this setting.

Playoff hopes: You can never say never in this league. And while this club is coming off a couple of lean years, the arrival of Fangio could elevate the defense to heights similar to 2015. The Denver offense must do its share and perform efficiently. If the Broncos are to challenge in the AFC West, they have to learn to beat the Chiefs again.

Next: Nos. 24 and 23