Welcome to 32 teams in 32 days. To get us through the offseason, we’ll be taking a closer look at every team in the league, in order of projected 2023 win totals. Up next: the Raiders.
It's been a long, tough stretch for the Raiders.
Since 2002, the Raiders have reached the playoffs twice and failed to win a single postseason game. In recent years, Las Vegas suffered through the Jon Gruden era, which ended when Gruden resigned in disgrace following the surfacing of homophobic emails. After interim coach Rich Bisaccia led the Raiders to a wild-card berth in ’21, the Raiders dismissed him to hire Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels struggled through his first season in Las Vegas, including watching the Raiders blow five double-digit leads. After going 6–11 to end the season, the front office turned to McDaniels’s fellow former Patriots, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and receivers Jakobi Meyers and Phillip Dorsett, in an effort to restock the roster with familiar faces.
Candice Ward/USA TODAY Sports (left); Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports (center, right)
Still, the list of needs remains long, and the Raiders are in a division where anything fewer than 10 wins all but guarantees a ceiling of third place.
Ultimately, Las Vegas is relying on Garoppolo to stay healthy, the defense to take significant steps without a major influx of talent and a coach with a record of 17–28 to rebuild one of the most storied organizations in North American sports.
Biggest gamble this offseason: Believing in Jimmy Garoppolo
This was an offseason of seismic change for the Raiders. After having Derek Carr under center for nine seasons, they released the veteran before signing Garoppolo in free agency to a three-year deal.
However, this is already becoming a potentially regrettable decision. Garoppolo has no timetable to return from foot surgery, an injury the Raiders were aware of before announcing him at a one-day delayed press conference in March.
In nine NFL seasons, Garoppolo has started more than 10 games only twice. He’s consistently dealt with major injuries including a torn ACL, two ankle sprains, a fractured foot, two thumb ailments and more.
Banking on Garoppolo to play a majority of the season behind a questionable offensive line is a huge risk. Factor in his lack of long-range passing prowess, and this could be a gamble that ends up costing McDaniels his job.
Toughest stretch of the season: Weeks 12 to 16
The Raiders have a tough schedule this year, with six games against a rigorous AFC West along with the AFC East, but the early portion has winnable games.
The problem for Las Vegas comes later in the campaign after home games with the Giants and Jets. In Week 12, the Raiders go cross-country to visit the Dolphins before returning home to take on the Chiefs. After a bye week, the Vikings and Chargers come to Sin City before a return engagement with Patrick Mahomes & Co. on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium.
All told, that’s five consecutive games against teams that made the playoffs last season.
Breakout player to watch: DE Tyree Wilson
Wilson is a top-10 pick who will be under serious pressure for a rookie.
After watching edge rusher Chandler Jones amass only 4.5 sacks last year after signing a three-year deal, the Raiders selected his eventual replacement out of Texas Tech. With the Red Raiders, Wilson totaled 17 sacks and 32 tackles for loss across four years.
If Wilson can be a force early on, he’ll form a dynamic tandem with Maxx Crosby. With a subpar defensive backfield playing behind the front four, the Raiders desperately need Crosby and Wilson to win, and win quickly.
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Position of strength: Offensive weaponry
Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports
Davante Adams is a first-team All-Pro receiver, and the Raiders signed Meyers to be his running mate on the other side. In the slot, Hunter Renfrow is hoping to regain his health and have another 1,000-yard campaign. While trading away tight end Darren Waller doesn’t help the weaponry, Las Vegas added a quality second-round replacement in Michael Mayer.
As for the offensive backfield, Josh Jacobs led the league in rushing last year with 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. Barring a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline, he’s returning on the franchise tag. If Jacobs has another year as he did in 2022, he’ll cash in next winter.
Position of weakness: Pass defense
Last year, the Raiders finished 28th in total defense, 26th in points allowed and 27th in yards per play against. While the front has talent in Crosby, Wilson and Jones, the rest of the unit has significant issues.
Of the defense, though, the back seven in pass coverage is the biggest issue. Las Vegas finished 29th against the pass, and in a division with Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes under center, that’s a recipe for a losing record. Looking at the secondary, the biggest hope is third-year corner Nate Hobbs continuing to mature, while safeties Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig prove a solid duo.
X-factor: Offensive line
Kolton Miller is a quality left tackle, but the rest of the line has been in flux for years. This season’s guard combination of Alex Bars and Dylan Parham has only 42 starts between them. Can Parham, entering his second year, ascend and become a stalwart on the left side next to Miller?
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
The biggest question might be right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who has played on three teams across six seasons. He’ll need to hold up for Garoppolo, who is one of the league’s more fragile starting quarterbacks throughout his career.
The line improved as last season went on. Can it level up in 2023?
Sleeper/fantasy pick: TE Michael Mayer
Mayer landed in a great spot with the Raiders, which have a need at tight end after trading Waller to the Giants. While veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard are on the depth chart, Mayer has the highest ceiling of this tight end trio. —Michael Fabiano, SI Fantasy
Best bet: Count on Davante Adams to go over 1300.5 receiving yards
No matter who is at QB, Adams will produce. He had one of his best games of the year with Jarrett Stidham in 2022. The volume and target share will be there. Adams has gone over in each of the past three seasons. —Jennifer Piacenti, SI Betting
