The Oakland Raiders are expected to be vastly improved this season vs. the NFL odds. Gamblers have taken notice of the changes that the Raiders have made and NFL lines should be lower on Oakland this season.
NFL odds at the Sbg global sportsbook still won’t favor the Raiders on a regular basis but with a quality quarterback in Jason Campbell, Oakland will be capable of pulling off some upsets. They are getting 6.5 points in their regular season opener at Tennessee and they might be worth a look in that game.
Players Confident: It might seem hard to believe that Oakland players are actually confident entering the 2010 season. The Raiders have pretty much been awful the past few years but there is a new feeling in Oakland. The Raiders actually believe they are going to end their streak of seven straight years with 11 or more losses.
Offensive Talent: The offense for Oakland is going to be better. Campbell is a far better quarterback than JaMarcus Russell was. He is not great but he will at least not make as many mistakes and he will move the ball around. The Raiders have a new offensive coordinator in Hue Jackson and he seems to know his stuff.
The Raiders tied for last in the league with 17 offensive TDs last season. They scored 49 points in their preseason wins at Dallas and Chicago. There is no question with Campbell leading the team that the offense is going to be much better vs. the NFL lines.
Top Receiver Out: The Raiders suffered a blow when top wide receiver Chaz Schilens underwent arthroscopic knee surgery this week. He is out indefinitely. Darrius Heyward-Bey has still yet to prove he is a quality NFL receiver.
Key Year for McFadden: This is it for Darren McFadden. He needs to show he is a top player. He was the fourth pick of the 2008 draft. If he plays like he did in college then the Raiders could have a very good year. If not, then the optimism may be overrated.
Talented Rookies: Here is news for you. The Raiders actually had a good draft. Rookies Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston could make an immediate impact this season for Oakland. If they are as good as they have looked in the preseason then the Raiders defense is going to be good.