2007 SPREAD FACT: 0-4 ATS AS A FAVORITE

2007 SPREAD FACT: 2-6 ATS @ HOME

2007 TOTAL FACT: 6-2 OVER ON THE ROAD

2007 TOTAL FACT: 7-3 OVER TOTALS 40 OR LESS

OFFENSIVE ANALYSIS:

Although the Raiders offensive stats in 2007 are not spectacular, if given the chance Head Coach Lane Kiffin has the offense pointed in the right direction where they can begin to succeed. Oakland’s offense will focus on ball control and running the ball. They rushed for 130 yards per game in 2007 and actually improved their running game in the off-season by adding OL Kwame Brown (San Francisco) and Center John Wade (Tampa Bay) as well as their #1 draft pick RB Darren McFadden. QB JaMarcus Russell will experience growing pains in his first full season, however if they can continue to run the ball and not put too much of the offense on his shoulders, they may be able to put together a respectable if not a winning season.

DEFENSIVE ANALYSIS:

Unfortunately for the Raiders, their defense needs a lot more help. In 2007, the Raiders defense allowed opponents to pick up an average of 145 yards rushing per game, last in the league. Old-time bettors and coaches agree that if you can’t stop the run, you can’t win. The Raiders won only 4 games in 2007, proving this to be true. While Oakland has an All-Pro secondary with the likes of CB DeAngelo Williams, Nnamdi Asomugha and Gibril Wilson at safety, unless the front seven can stop the run and rush the quarterback, the defense will struggle yet again.

TEAM ANALYSIS:

In order for the Raiders to have a chance to get back to having winning seasons, making the playoffs and getting to championship games, Al Davis will have to step down and allow competent football people run the organization. Oakland is 19-61 S/U the past 5 seasons. Their slogan of old “Commitment to Excellence” should be changed to “ Have Al Committed.” If Lane Kiffin is allowed to hire his own coaching staff and have input on signing players, I think that the Raiders could once again be competitive.