Oakland Raiders Will Go 10-6 in 2010

I always over-project the Raiders record for the upcoming season. 

I'm a dreamer. 

But with three new starters at linebacker, a new quarterback, and a fiery new offensive coordinator, the Raiders are one healthy offensive line away from being a good (10-6) team. 

For the purpose of projecting the Raiders record in the 2010 season, I placed their opponents into four categories: Weak, Mediocre, Strong, and Elite.  I then projected the Raiders record against each group.    

 

Weak: Chiefs (2), Broncos (2), Rams, Seahawks

Projected Raiders Record: 5-1

I won't make any disclaimers about the Chiefs and Rams; they are not good teams.  The experts are high on what the Seahawks have done this offseason, but with all the changes they're making, I'm going to take a "believe it when I see it" approach to their capability. 

The Broncos had a good season in 2009—if one disregards their finish—but they've lost more than they've gained this offseason.  The departure of Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and Mike Nolan, along with the injury to Ryan Clady, have turned many of the team's strengths into question marks.  Their quarterback situation is a mess. 

All the Raiders have to do is eliminate mental errors against this group in order to win five out of six. 

 

Mediocre: Jaguars, Dolphins, Cardinals

Projected Raiders Record: 2-1

All three of these teams have great potential and could surprise with a strong season, but none are beyond what the Raiders can handle.  Despite each teams' talent, none are solid in all facets of the game, making consistency a serious issue. 

If the Raiders stop the run in these games they will win at least two. 

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