Last Updated on August 4, 2010 12:47 am by Anthony Rome
Raiders Season Odds
After spending the entire offseason improving their roster, the Oakland Raiders hope to have a better showing in 2010 than they have over the past couple of years.
Easily the best decision Al Davis made this past offseason was finally getting rid of former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, who proved to be complete garbage on the professional level. His work ethic was constantly questioned, as was his desire and Davis (who was clung onto hope that his pick would eventually turn his career around) finally cut the cord.
Before releasing Russell, Davis traded for former Redskins’ quarterback Jason Campbell, who will no doubt prove to be more of a leader than Russell was. Campbell doesn’t have elite talent, but he’s a hard worker and his skill level is head and shoulders above Russell. Campbell should greatly improve Oakland’s offense this season.
Also this offseason, the Raiders traded middle linebacker Kirk Morrison to the Jaguars during April’s draft after selecting Alabama MLB Rolando McClain with the 8th overall pick. In the second round, Oakland once again went with defense with the selection of Texas DT Lamarr Houston, before taking back-to-back offensive tackles in Hillsdale’s Jared Veldheer (third round) and Maryland’s Bruce Campbell (fourth round).
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Raiders 100/1 long shots to win the 2011 Super Bowl and 50/1 to win the AFC. They’re also +600 on the money line to win the AFC West and have an over/under season win total of 6 games.
While the Raiders still have a long ways to go before they’re competing for a postseason berth again, they’re certainly a lot closer to contention now than they were a year ago. Getting rid of Russell was huge and adding Campbell should make players like Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens better around him.
That said, Oakland doesn’t have enough overall talent on its roster to compete this season. Campbell, McFadden, Bush and the rest of the offense will only be as good as their offensive line, which will struggle again this year. The defense has scattered talent in McClain, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and newly signed John Henderson, but the unit’s holes will expose them over a 16-game season.
The Raiders are moving in the right direction – they’re just not there yet. Of course, you can never count any team out in today’s NFL, so maybe Oakland could be a sleeper.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Oakland Raiders 100/1
Odds to Win AFC: Oakland Raiders 50/1
Odds to Win AFC West: Oakland Raiders +600
2010 NFL Season Win Totals: Oakland Raiders O/U 6
Posted: 8/4/10 12: AM ET