The start of the NFL regular season is now less than a couple of days away, and Raider Nation is historically anxious to witness their Oakland Raiders take the field this Sunday. The expectations are sky-high for this team, thanks in part to the emergence of a monstrous offense and some exciting additions via free agency and the NFL Draft.
Over here at The Raider Ramble, the several voices that fill the chatter all have different expectations for this year but more importantly are willing to go on record with some bold predictions! Let us know what you think Raider Nation, agree or disagree with your favorite contributors?
Erik Watkins (Twitter @squidsportshead )
The Raiders are showing they are the class of the AFC West and they will win it by finishing 12-4. In the process, Derek Carr will win a passing title and the NFL MVP. The team itself will earn a playoff victory, but the Tuck Rule rematch sadly won’t go their favor yet again.
Ray Aspuria (Twitter @JackAsspuria)
11-5 will be the Raiders record by seasons’ end. Teams will be taking the Raiders offense seriously; however, Oakland’s defense will cost the team a game or two.
Treyvon Hester will make the most impact of the 2017 rookie class. Starved for pass rush, Hester will get ample opportunity to rush the quarterback. Also, with Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin and Mario Edwards Jr. looking to eat too, Hester will get his.
Mario Tovar (Twitter @RaiderRamble )
The grueling schedule combined with the fact that this year’s squad will have a target on their back; I see the Silver and Black finishing at 10-6. By no means should this be a disappointment as I expect the Raiders to be a viable contender by playoff time though this will also depend on the defense improving and Carr remaining healthy the entire season.
Micah Schneidermann (Twitter @MicahInThe208 )
My bold prediction for the Oakland Raiders in 2017 is that the kicking game will struggle. Yes, Raider Nation, unfortunately, Father Time is going to touch Sebastian Janikowski’s leg with his old man staff and cause some problems in the kicking game in 2017. This fact will become a major concern when Oakland heads into the playoffs later this season. One of Oakland’s loss’ in 2017 will come as a direct result of Janikowski being the victim of Father Time.
Sean Hildebrandt (Twitter @Oahu_Raider808 )
The Raiders are going 10-6 in 2017. Why? The team is facing one of the toughest schedules in the league. In spite of that, they will face it with game winner Derek Carr under center leading one of the NFL’s best offenses and Khalil Mack leading the other end of the spectrum on defense. Oh yeah and don’t forget your sombrero for Week 8 in Mexico City versus the New England Patriots.
James Clary (Twitter @ORaiderfan )
Raider’s defense gels and by the end of the season they are in the NFL’s Top Ten defenses statistically.
Raiders Fan Radio (Twitter @RaidersFanRadio )
I feel the Raiders will be 19-0 on the year. Not bragging, just fact. Looking around the league, no other player has the eyelashes of Derek Carr or the triceps of Khalil Mack. Game. Set. Match.
Scott Winter (Twitter @Scott_WinterNFL )
My bold predictions for the 2017 season, and remember this is bold, is running back Marshawn Lynch going over 1,200 rushing yards and scoring 15 touchdowns with the Raiders going 12-4 at a minimum this year.
Christopher Engelage (Twitter @christophy24 )
The Oakland Raiders take the NFL by storm starting off 9-0 before falling to the New England Patriots. The Raiders will go on to lose to the Giants and Eagles and finish 13-3. The Silver and Black will avenge the regular season loss to New England by defeating head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in the post season reigning as AFC Champions.