Oakland Raiders 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The Oakland Raiders finished the 2017 NFL season a disappointing 6-10. Team owner Mark Davis convinced Jon Gruden to give up the comfort of the broadcasting booth for a return trip to the sidelines. Of course a $100 million contract certainly helped sway Gruden to re-join the Silver and Black.

Key players return from last season, while new faces on the sidelines and on the field, most notably the presence of Gruden, should give the Raiders the push needed to return to their winning ways and make the postseason. The Riaders wide receiver corps will feature Amari Copper who caught passes last season just 680 yards after averaging 1,112 yards over his previous two seasons. Oakland also has depth at WR with Jordy Nelson replacing Michael Crabtree and adding speedster Martavis Bryant as well. Tight End Jared Cook will be big part of Raiders season. Cook is coming off 688 yards in 2017 and will become one of Carr’s go to guys.

Oakland offensive line has been beefed up both on the field and the payroll with Kelechi Osemele at left guard, Rodney Hudson at center, Gabe Jackson at right guard and Donald Penn at left tackle. The right tackle spot will be fought over by Kolton Miller the 15th pick overall and Breno Giacomini a free-agent in his 11th season.

The defense for the Raiders revolves around all-world Khalil Mack. Mack was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, reached the Pro Bowl in 2017 for the third consecutive year and is the unit’s only real star. His 10.5 sacks led the team last season. The defensive end needs to control offensive linemen this season.

Gruden wants to give Mack help on the interior of the defensive line and drafted P.J. Hall from Sam Houston State to help and Maurice Hurst another rookie at defensive tackle is expected to contribute. Mario Edwards Jr. who plays opposite Mack will also be looked upon to pressure the quarterback.

Bruce Irvin a starter at outside linebacker last season will be the pass rush specialist this season. Arden Key was drafted to rush the passer from the edge as well. Justin Ellis is expected to be a run stuffer after extending his contract for three years.

Linebacker is a bit of a mystery. Derrick Johnson formerly with the Chiefs was a late signing and likely will be a starter. Tahir Whitehead was picked up as a free agent and could start outside. Nicholas Morrow is in the mix to start at one of the outside linebacker spots as well.

Expect a major overhaul in the secondary. Sean Smith and David Amerson the two corners are gone and T.J. Carrie took the free agent route. Rashaan Melvin, Leon Hall, Daryl Worley, and Shareece Wright were signed at corner, while Marcus Gilchrist was signed at safety. Karl Joseph the starter at strong safety and Reggie Nelson the starting free safety both return from last season.