We're back with a new year of football and with that comes anticipation and excitement for 32 NFL fan-bases. That is no exception for the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders look to unveil their shiny new toys on offense and defense after being aggressive in the offseason, bringing in both savvy veterans and impactful rookies. With so many changes on both sides of the ball, it's tough to anticipate how this team will play together and just how long it will take to gel. Will rookie QB Derek Carr be as dynamic in the regular season as he was in the preseason? Will the front-seven create more pass-rush with the additions of Khalil Mack, Lamar Woodley and Justin Tuck? One thing is known, the Raiders have struggled mightily in the Eastern Time Zone, with their last win coming in 2009. With that in mind, let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense Vs. Jets Defense
The Raiders will be starting a rookie QB the first week of the season since...it's never happened before. A lot will ride on the running game in this matchup for that reason. The Raiders brought in Maurice Jones-Drew to help keep Darren McFadden healthier and to fill the void left by Rashad Jennings leaving as a free agent. Look for a heavy dose of both running backs in both the running game and the passing game. The will look to use the backs in a variety of different sets and formations. The Jets will be without both starting CB's, but the defense is still led by the ever-masterful defensive mind in Rex Ryan. Look for Ryan to use a variety of different looks and blitzes to try and confuse the rookie QB.
Advantage: Jets
Raiders Defense Vs. Jets Offense
The Raiders on defense will rely heavily on their front-seven to neutralize both the running game and the passing game. Both outside linebackers in Sio Moore and Khalil Mack are active and can create problems with their pass-rush and their ability to cover the middle of the field. The defense will go as they go. The Jets picked up Chris Johnson in the offseason to join with holdovers Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. They also acquired WR Eric Decker from Denver to have a number one receiver for Geno Smith to throw to. Many believe that this is going to be Smith's break-through season if he can cut down on the interceptions.
Advantage: Jets
Special Teams
The Raiders will have new kick returners and punt returner this year, with second-year RB Latavius Murray splitting time with Taiwan Jones as kick returners and rookie CB T.J. Carrie returning punts. The Jets are also introducing new kick returners and punt returner with Saalim Hakim and Jalen Saunders returning kicks and Saunders returning punts.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Jets 20, Raiders 14
Raiders Offense Vs. Jets Defense
The Raiders will be starting a rookie QB the first week of the season since...it's never happened before. A lot will ride on the running game in this matchup for that reason. The Raiders brought in Maurice Jones-Drew to help keep Darren McFadden healthier and to fill the void left by Rashad Jennings leaving as a free agent. Look for a heavy dose of both running backs in both the running game and the passing game. The will look to use the backs in a variety of different sets and formations. The Jets will be without both starting CB's, but the defense is still led by the ever-masterful defensive mind in Rex Ryan. Look for Ryan to use a variety of different looks and blitzes to try and confuse the rookie QB.
Advantage: Jets
Raiders Defense Vs. Jets Offense
The Raiders on defense will rely heavily on their front-seven to neutralize both the running game and the passing game. Both outside linebackers in Sio Moore and Khalil Mack are active and can create problems with their pass-rush and their ability to cover the middle of the field. The defense will go as they go. The Jets picked up Chris Johnson in the offseason to join with holdovers Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. They also acquired WR Eric Decker from Denver to have a number one receiver for Geno Smith to throw to. Many believe that this is going to be Smith's break-through season if he can cut down on the interceptions.
Advantage: Jets
Special Teams
The Raiders will have new kick returners and punt returner this year, with second-year RB Latavius Murray splitting time with Taiwan Jones as kick returners and rookie CB T.J. Carrie returning punts. The Jets are also introducing new kick returners and punt returner with Saalim Hakim and Jalen Saunders returning kicks and Saunders returning punts.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Jets 20, Raiders 14
Wow! You were right on with your prediction. Good job!
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