Oakland Raiders 2019 NFL betting preview

Oakland Raiders at a glance

2018 record: 4-12, last place in the AFC West Key additions: WR Antonio Brown, DE Clelin Ferrell, LB Vontaze Burfict Key losses: TE Jared Cook, OL Jon Feliciano, CB Rashaan Melvin

Overview

It is hard to believe that a team with a combined 10-22 record in 2017 and 2018 has been the lead on SportsCenter for each of the last two preseasons. Because of Jon Gruden's decision to trade away Khalil Mack in 2018 and Antonio Brown's antics in 2019, the Raiders find themselves on television a lot for a non-contender.

Thanks to a number of impactful roster additions, the 2019 version of the Raiders should look a bit better. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Clelin Ferrell from Clemson could step in and immediately offer more pass-rushing ability than anybody Oakland had on the roster last year.

Whether Ferrell's successes in college were a result of sharing the line with other first-round picks or his natural ability remains to be seen, but there is no doubt potential. At linebacker Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall will be a lot nastier than anything Oakland has had for quite some time, and in the secondary, safety Lamarcus Joyner is both a proven winner and leader.

On the offensive side of the ball, Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams have been brought in to provide quarterback Derek Carr more weapons. Everybody knows what Brown is capable of, but Williams quietly accumulated 69 catches for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns last year, as well. Brown at his best and without antics is undoubtedly one of the best receivers in the league, so there has been a key upgrade in terms of quality here.

With all of this in mind, what do we think of the Raiders' chances heading into 2019?

Super Bowl Odds: +7500

This feels a bit ambitious. Despite the roster additions, the Raiders are still rebuilding. With so many draft picks coming up in 2020 courtesy of the Bears and a stadium being built in Las Vegas, this team feels a bit like the Cleveland Indians from Major League, except without the improbability of a rag-tag group of tryout players piecing together and actually winning a championship. Also, nobody wants to see a cardboard cutout of Mark Davis get unclothed one win at a time.

AFC Conference odds: +4000

Again, this team just doesn't feel built to be championship ready. There are many question marks on both sides of the line.

AFC West odds: +2000

The odds keep doing down, and yet their chances don't feel like they are getting better. Pass.

Odds to make the NFL Playoffs: +600

We're finally getting in "might be worth it to take a flyer" territory for this team. There is little hope for the Raiders to prove themselves better than both the Chargers and Chiefs this year, but if everything comes together and veterans on the roster lead them to 2016 form, this is a good price on a team with a good quarterback and some pieces that make it dangerous. If you believe in the Raiders, this is your bet.

2019 win total: 6

I think the AFC West is the toughest division in the conference, so I like the under. I could easily see this team starting the 2019 season 2-7.

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