Before training camp started I was on the wagon of the Oakland Raiders. I stated on my radio segment that they would win the AFC West in 2016. They took a big step in that direction Sunday night with a win over then co-leader the Denver Broncos. Can the Raiders hold onto the lead and win the west? Yes, and here are 3 reasons why they control their own destiny.
Schedule
The schedule of the Oakland Raiders is fairly favorable for the rest of the season. After their bye week in week 10, they have 7 games remaining. Of those 7 games, 3 of them are against teams with an above .500 record. This plays into the Raiders winning ways. They can continue to build momentum week after week on their way to 2016 AFC West crown. I see the 2 toughest games remaining on their schedule as the Kansas City Chiefs in week 14 and the Denver Broncos in week 17. The remainder of the games they should be favored in to win.
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Offense
The young offense of the Oakland Raiders in one of the best in the NFL in 2016. They are ranked 5th in yards per game (401 YPG), 5th in points per game (27 PPG), 4th in rushing yards per game (128 RYPG), and 5th in passing yards per game (423 PYPG). Having a top 5 offense in the NFL is very difficult to do. You have to have solid QB play and many working parts around him. That is what the Oakland Raiders are finally getting in 2016. They have the franchise QB, they have the elusive RB or RBs and weapons on the outside. If they can avoid any devastating loss to the weapons or protection, the Oakland Raiders should be well established for 2016 and beyond.
Derek Carr
As mentioned in the above point the Oakland Raiders offense is playing above and beyond and its 2016 expectations. The Raiders, many in the preseason deemed, to be a team that would go the way of the QB. That they have. Derek Carr is most definitely a franchise QB. He is a leader and the driving force behind much of the success of the Raiders’ offense and defense. He can keep drives alive and is no longer making the critical, young mistake that has disabled them in the past. If he continues to climb at this pace he will become one of the young elite QBs of the NFL within the next 2-3 years.
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The Oakland Raiders have made a change in culture and it is showing. They continue to make great strides when it comes to the draft and free agency. They also have returned to the Commitment to Excellence. Keep your eyes to the present and the future Raiders fans. You are looking at something special in the making.