Oakland Raiders
Offense
Before Week 1 even rolls around, it appears as if Oakland already whiffed on its trade to acquire Matt Schaub. The veteran has failed to impress in the offseason and in the preseason, giving us more and more reason to believe it’s only a matter of time before rookie Derek Carr steps in.
Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew sound like a strong running back duo, but McFadden has never stayed healthy for a 16-game season and Jones-Drew has a lot of tread on his tires. The offensive line remains suspect, and the team has about three No. 2 wide receivers.
Defense
The Raiders loaded up on veterans in free agency to solidify the defensive side of the ball. Antonio Smith, Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley are now rushing the passer, while former 49ers Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown are starting at corner.
The addition of first-rounder Khalil Mack gives the Raiders a solid unit, but one that may be overmatched by the likes of the Broncos and Chargers in their own division.
Outlook
If coach Dennis Allen’s job is on the line, quarterback will be the biggest decision he has to make. Starting Schaub and leaving him in place for the first month could result in four straight losses, which they may not be able to overcome over the course of the season.
Allen is a defensive coach, though, and if this veteran-laden group winds up being as good as he anticipated then he should salvage his job. But Carr also must prove he’s a starting quarterback in this league.
