Oakland Raiders NFL Betting Odds

Last Season

The Oakland Raiders are another example of an NFL team that struggled through the 2008 NFL season, ending with a poor 5-11 record. Both the team's offense and defense were lacking. For instance, while talented young quarterback JaMarcus Russell took over behind center and improved with each game, he lacked a decent wide receiver. The Raiders' running game was also lacking. Defensively, Oakland allowed an average of 360 yards per game, although they spent more time on the field than offense. The team only averaged 16 points per game.

Off Season

The Oakland Raiders needed to do some serious work during the off-season and they started with the 2009 NFL Draft. The team drew some criticism when they signed wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, while the arguably more talented Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were still available. That said, Heyward-Bey ran the fastest 40 yard dash time in the NFL in 4.3 flat, and with that kind of speed any team would be lucky to have him. The draft also yielded wide receiver, Louis Murphy, who could shine in the late rounds. For the defense, Oakland selected strong safety Michael Mitchell, who is expected to develop into a solid defender.

2009 Preview

The Oakland Raiders should have seen the 2008 season as a huge wake up call and concentrated on fixing both their lack-luster offense and defense. However, most of their efforts were aimed at their offense. For instance, although beset with a shoulder injury, swift running back, Darren McFadden, is expected to be ready for the new season and should spend more time on the field. However, fans of the Raiders will be eager to see what kind of an impact Heyward-Bey makes for the team, if any. Defensively, the team is largely unchanged from last season which is not great news. As such ,the team's existing players really need to step it up a gear.

2009 Prediction

Luckily for the Oakland Raiders, they play in the AFC's weakest division which means that they should be able to squeeze out a few wins this season, regardless of whether their offense and defense comes together or apart. There is no doubt that the Raiders have the necessary talent to make their presence felt this season, but the big question is whether that talent will be given the opportunity to shine.

**Our Pick The Raiders play in a weak division, but one of the primary reasons it is so weak is because the Raiders play in it. Mull that over for a second as we predict another season of sub .500 football in Oakland, although they should be a little better than they were in '08.

 

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