Raiders: The Dark Horse Contenders For The Super Bowl

Despite having one of the best off-seasons in the NFL, many people aren't expecting much from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have plenty of talent, including Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr, Kenyan Drake, and Bryan Edwards. The team added a new head coach, Josh McDaniels, and star wideout Davante Adams, yet many are predicting this team to finish last in the AFC West. However, NFL Network's Rich Eisen has predicted Las Vegas to win the AFC West for the first time since 2002.

The Raiders have a new head coach, Josh McDaniels, and star wideout, Davante Adams

The Raiders are a team that you shouldn't sleep on. Despite many predicting that they would finish last in the AFC West, the team has added new head coach Josh McDaniels and star wide receiver Davante Adams. McDaniels brings a wealth of experience, having worked as an offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and serving as the head coach and general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders until his firing in November 2023. McDaniels has demonstrated an ability to hire the right staff to help his team win games, as seen by his time in Indianapolis.

Davante Adams, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, is a significant addition to the Raiders' offense. In his first season with the Raiders, Adams led the league in receiving touchdowns and was named to his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl. With Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders have a formidable trio of receivers. The Raiders also boast a strong defense, with players like Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby, who is considered one of the best ends in football.

The Raiders have a history of resilience, even in the face of challenges like the Gruden scandal and the Henry Ruggs situation. They made the playoffs in the 2022 season and nearly beat the Bengals, losing by just one score. With their improved offense and defense, the Raiders are a team to watch and could surprise many in the highly competitive AFC West.

The Raiders have plenty of talent for fantasy football drafts, including Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, and Derek Carr

The Las Vegas Raiders are a treasure trove of talent for fantasy football drafts, and three players stand out: Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, and Derek Carr.

Starting with Darren Waller, the veteran tight end has been a consistent performer for the Raiders. With career numbers of 350 catches, 4,124 yards, and 20 touchdowns, he is a reliable target and a valuable asset for any fantasy manager. Waller's height and physicality make him a mismatch for defenders, and his ability to create separation and make contested catches is impressive.

Running back Josh Jacobs is another key player. At 5'10" and 223 lbs, he possesses a powerful running style and has impressive agility and vision. With the ability to break tackles and gain extra yards, he is a constant threat on the ground. While his receiving abilities are sometimes overlooked, he has shown he can be a dual threat, providing fantasy managers with valuable points.

Quarterback Derek Carr is the field general, and his arm talent and decision-making make him a solid fantasy option. Carr has the ability to make all the throws and consistently puts his receivers in a position to succeed. While he has had some injury concerns, when healthy, he is a reliable fantasy performer and can put up big numbers.

The Raiders have a well-rounded offense with a good mix of passing and rushing threats. With Waller, Jacobs, and Carr, fantasy football managers can expect consistent performances and strong production throughout the season. These players should be high on anyone's draft list, and their impact on the field translates to significant fantasy value. Don't sleep on the Raiders when it comes to fantasy football!

Kenyan Drake is an under-the-radar player who could be a breakout star for the Raiders

Drake's pass-catching ability makes him even more valuable in PPR-format leagues, giving him top-10 fantasy running back potential. In fact, he is one of the best pound-for-pound route runners on the team. During training camp, he lined up out wide on occasion. Drake's ability to be the ultimate chess piece in the Raiders' offense makes him a player to watch.

Drake's career has been marred by injuries, including a broken fibula and dislocated ankle during his junior year at Alabama, and a fractured ankle during his first season with the Raiders. However, he has shown remarkable resilience and commitment to recovery, working with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Norman Waldrop to regain his strength, flexibility, and confidence. Waldrop has stated that Drake is highly motivated and does not cut corners during rehab, giving him confidence that Drake will be able to return to his pre-injury level of performance.

With the Raiders' new additions, such as Davante Adams and Chandler Jones, and a crowded backfield, Drake is approaching the situation with a positive mindset and a focus on helping the team win. His dedication to his recovery and improvement makes him a player to keep an eye on as a potential breakout star for the Raiders.

The Raiders' defence is much improved, with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley bringing in a streamlined defence

The Raiders' defence has seen a significant improvement, thanks to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's streamlined approach. Bradley, who replaced Matt Eberflus, has implemented a 4-3/Cover-3 scheme, which reduces pressure on the opposition's quarterback and focuses on the pass. This strategy has resulted in an increased number of interceptions and pass deflections for the Raiders. Bradley's scheme also takes advantage of the talented duo of Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, who create havoc for opposing quarterbacks with their relentless pressure and ability to force fumbles.

Under Bradley's leadership, the Raiders improved their ranking in yards allowed, moving up to 14th from 25th, and in points allowed, climbing to 26th from 30th. Bradley's impact on the team was evident, despite his brief tenure. His ability to recruit top talent, such as Ngakoue, Perryman, and Teamer, strengthened the defence. Additionally, his experience working with coaches like Pete Carroll in Seattle contributed to his success with the Raiders.

While the Raiders' defence under Bradley excelled in some areas, they also faced challenges. Their lack of blitzing resulted in a decrease in their ranking for touchdowns allowed via the pass and run. This strategy, or lack thereof, led to the Raiders conceding 29 passing touchdowns in 2021. However, it's worth noting that Bradley's defence still managed to reach the postseason, showcasing their ability to adapt and improve.

Gus Bradley's defensive strategy, combined with the talent on the Raiders' roster, has created a formidable unit. The streamlined defence has allowed players to excel, creating a cohesive and effective unit that has contributed to the team's overall success. Bradley's impact on the Raiders defence has been significant, and their improvement is a testament to his coaching abilities and the players' dedication.

The Raiders have a history of proving people wrong and performing well when they are underrated

The Raiders have also had success with players who are considered underrated. Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, for instance, has been described as "one of the league's most underrated receivers". Renfrow has accumulated four career touchdowns against the Chargers, and is considered a great pick for fantasy football owners. Another player who has been successful for the Raiders despite being underrated is Bryan Edwards, who is described as "one of the more physically athletic and dominant players in this Raiders offense".

The Raiders have also had success with their defence, which has been described as "slept on". In 2021, the Raiders were projected to be the 30th best fantasy football defence, but they made several changes to their defensive lineup, including adding defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who has been praised for bringing in a streamlined defence. As a result, the Raiders' new-look defence performed well in their preseason victories against the Seahawks and the Rams.

In addition to their talented players and defence, the Raiders have also benefited from strong coaching. In 2022, they added new head coach Josh McDaniels, who is considered to have done a good job in his previous role with the Indianapolis Colts. McDaniels brought in several good coaches, including Matt Eberflus, who is now a head coach himself. This shows that McDaniels is able to recognise and hire the right staff to help him win games.

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