Picks And Parlays

Oakland Raiders 2010 Preview and Predictions Written by Craig Trapp craig@ctsportspicks.com

Most of you have been following my team by team NFL 2010 preview. Today we move to the AFC West and the Oakland Raiders. Not often have we seen the kind of turnaround a year makes. The Raiders have been the laughing stock of the league for about 10 years but finally they look to have turned the corner. Maybe finally the Raider nation will have a reason to dress up and celebrate as the expectations are super high in 2010. 

Make sure you check out all my past 2010 football previews for both College Football and NFL. Also check back daily as we will continue our football breakdowns for 2010!

The offense has had QB issues since Gannon left years ago. But this offseason the Raiders finally cut ties with Jamarcus Russell and brought in Jason Campbell via trade with the Redskins. Campbell is such an upgrade that think its worth at least 2 wins. Injuries really have slowed down McFadden from taking over the load in the run game. Finally healthy McFadden will show why he was so highly rated coming out of Arkansas. The two questions on this team is consistency at both WR and the Offensive line. The line will really improve the running game but protecting Campbell will still be an issue verse the top pass rushers. Wide receivers will still be average or a little sub par as a group but the run game should keep them in most games.

Without this very good defense in 2009 think the Raiders might have only won a game or two. This unit is going to be even better in 2010 and if they are going to make the huge leap to the playoffs the defense carry them.  Love the linebackers on this team, specially rookie McClain who has outside chance to win defensive rookie of year. But without question the defensive line will be the key to this side of the ball. The aging Henderson and Seymour might not be young but they are still productive and if they stay healthy watch out. The most reliable portion of this defense will be the secondary led by shut down CB Asomugha. Overall this defense has potential to be even better in 2010 and could see as a top 10 overall defense. 

The kicking game was exceptional in 2009 and with both Lechlar and Janikowski back expect them to be just as good in 2010. The return game on the other hand was horrible in 2009 and turn to unproven rookie to save them in 2010. Ford is super quick and should make them at least improved in the return game in 2010. 

Odds for 2010 Oakland Raiders

 -Superbowl Champs +10,000

 -AFC Champs +5,000

 -AFC West +600Over

-Under wins 6

This is one of my better future plays for 2010, take the over 6 wins for the Raiders. Without a doubt having a viable QB in Campbell and a healthy McFadden spells big improvement on offense. Lets not forget this defense carried them to huge wins last year and will be just as good if not better in 2010. Love this team to win at least 8 games and maybe even 9.

Check back daily as we will continue all of previews and predictions for Football in 2010!