The Raiders not only got their second win of the season, but are also only a game out in the AFC West. They still have a game left against the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, along with two games against the atrocious Kansas City Chiefs.
Along with their AFC West foes, the Raiders have a fairly easy schedule left throughout the rest of the season, with their toughest non-divisional games left coming on the road in Week 10 against Baltimore and another road game in Week 12 against Cincinnati.
With the way the AFC has shaken out so far this season, you can't count out the Raiders for 2012. However, after 2012 is a major question mark with the Raiders, as they face an uncertain future at quarterback (Carson Palmer is 32), as well as only five draft picks in 2013 and a 2013 cap number that is best described by NFL.com's Brian McIntyre:
In looking at the Raiders' long-term cap situation, they have fewer than 50 players signed for the 2013 season. Before base-salary escalators and incentives, those players account for $130 million in salary-cap dollars. With the cap expected to remain flat, cuts and restructures are likely. There is no offset language on Branch's contract regarding his 2012 base salary, 2013 roster bonus and most (75 percent) of his 2013 base salary, which should place Branch and his $10.9 million cap number next season on the "restructure candidate" list.
Yikes, that's the only way I could describe that. A lot of Raiders will be unhappy at the end of next season, meaning the Raiders will have to make the most out of this season.
But as for the future, this is a team that can be rebuilt despite nearly a decade of ineptitude. Oakland already has a very good general manager in Reggie McKenzie, but more must be done by Mc...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
