2010 Oakland Raiders Predictions

The Oakland Raiders haven't won more than fiveGallery I think we will see better production out of
games in a season since winning the division back inleft tackle Mario Henderson, who faded down the
2002, and are coming off their second straight 5-11stretch. Center Samson Satele and guard Cooper
season. The biggest move the Raiders made thisCarlisle are back, while Langston Walker, Khalif
offseason was cutting ties with former No.1 pickBarnes, and Bruce Campbell are expected to battle
JaMarcus Russell, who will go down as one of thefor the starting right tackle spot. 
biggest bust in NFL history. Here is a look at whatDefense: The Raiders made a really nice addition to
the Raiders will bring to the table for the 2010their defensive line with the pickup of defensive
season, plus my prediction on where they finish thetackle John Henderson, who should make life a lot
season in the AFC West.easier for fellow tackle Tommy Kelly. Richard
Offense: The second biggest move the RaidersSeymour is back to start at defensive end, while
made this offseason was trading for WashingtonMatt Shaughnessy and Quentin Groves are expected
Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who will easilyto battle for the other starting spot at end.
be the best quarterback the Raiders have fieldedThe Raiders have had some bad luck with recent
since Rich Gannon was under center. Backup Brucedraft selections, but I think they were right on with
Gradkowski really played well starting for Russell attheir first round pick of middle linebacker Rolando
the end of last year, but figures to move back toMcClain, who I think will be a star for years to come
the No.2 spot this season.on this side of the ball. Trevor Scott and Kamerion
The Raiders lost running back Justin Fargas thisWimbley are back on the outside and will enjoy
offseason, but are hoping that Darren McFadden andplaying next to McClain this season.
Michael Bush will benefit from more carries. I don'tThe Raiders have one of the best corners in all of
know that will be as big a factor as having afootball in Nnamdi Asomugha, as teams refuse to
quarterback that can throw the ball, as opposingthrow the ball his way. That puts a lot of pressure
defenses were able to just stuff the line and beg theon the other starting corner Chris Johnson, but
Raiders to throw it the past couple seasons.Johnson is capable of getting the job done. Tyvon
It doesn't appear the Raiders made the right choiceBranch is the likely starter at strong safety with
when selecting Darrius Heward-Bey over MichaelMichael Huff battling Hiram Eugene for the starting
Crabtree last year, but there is still a chance thatfree safety spot. Also keep an eye out for 2009
Heyward-Bey can turn into a solid receiver if hesecond round pick Mike Mitchell to get more playing
continues to improve and starts catching the ball.time this season.
Chaz Schilens figures to be the No.1 target on thePrediction- 3rd AFC West: I have the Chiefs just
outside if he can stay healthy, with Louis Murphy andslightly ahead of the Raiders this season in the AFC
Johnnie Lee Higgins also in the mix at the receiverWest, but I believe both teams are going to be
position. The Raiders do have one of the best youngmuch improved and be right around the 8-8 mark this
tight ends in Zach Miller, and figures to put up evenseason. If Campbell exceeds expectations, the
better numbers with Campbell throwing him the ball.Raiders could compete for the division title.
The offensive line is a bit of concern heading into theSee where I have the rest of the teams finishing the
2010 season. Left guard Robert Gallery must stayseason in my 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on
healthy for this unit to improve in 2010, as Gallerybetting the NFL this season, be sure to stop back for
played in just six games in 2009. With a healthyour live NFL odds each and every week.