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2012 Oakland Raiders Sportsbook Gambling Odds | Preview | Picks

Oakland Raiders 2012-2013 NFL Futures Lines & Predictions

The Oakland Raiders should have been a playoff team a year ago. They were in a great spot with a 7-4 record with five games left in the season, and then they just collapsed. Losing four of their last five, including the season finale at home versus the Chargers, and missing the postseason once again.

2012 Oakland Raiders Team Preview/Predictions
2011 Record: 8-8
ATS Record: 9-6-1
2012 Raiders Futures
Super Bowl Odds: 75/1
Conference Odds: 30/1
AFC West Odds: 5/1

All of it mostly due in part to their lackluster defense.

Then, once Oakland climbed back on the coaching carousel; firing head coach Hue Jackson, bringing in former Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

While the Raiders might have some talent, especially on offense, they now again have to go through another learning curve.

The Raiders ranked ninth in the league in offense last year and seventh in rushing, which was pretty good considering they lost RB Darren McFadden in Week 7 and new QB Carson Palmer threw 16 interceptions in half a season.

Nevertheless, the addition of Palmer wasn’t all bad. He threw for over 2,700 yards in just 11 games for Oakland, which has to make the team feel somewhat comfortable moving forward into 2012.

A couple of wide receivers started coming into their own when he took over as well.

Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore, each had solid seasons a year ago. They both averaged over 15 yards per reception at 15.2 and 18.7 respectively. A full season with Carson, and more improvements, could lead to a big year passing the ball.

Still, the rushing attack will need to do its job.  [soliloquy id=”82219″]

However, the depth in the backfield is a little anemic for Oakland, as they let their only real insurance policy walk away during the offseason, when Michael Bush went to the Chicago Bears.

Now with him out of the picture, it all rests on McFadden’s legs. A scary proposition if you are a Raiders’ fan. If healthy though, this is one of the more dynamic backs around.

On the other side of the football ball, Oakland ranked 29th in defense, allowing 388 YPG, and 27th vs. the run, giving up 136 YPG on the ground. However, the Raiders didn’t do a whole lot in terms of defensive acquisitions this offseason, after losing LB Kamerion Wimbley and CB Stanford Routt.

So, if the Raiders expect to do better this year, they will need to tighten up what they have remaining, and luckily, they do return three of their best defenders from a year ago.

Tyvon Branch led the team in tackles at 109, while Rolando McClain was second in tackles at 99, and second in deflected passes at 14. Then Matt Giordano came up third in tackles while also leading the team in interceptions with five.

While most prognosticators have the Raiders falling off this season, the team itself may not have gotten better by way of a boatload of new signings, but if you factor in a healthy McFadden, and an improved defense, the Raiders are without a doubt going to be a better team.

Nevertheless, if you’re going to play anything on Oakland, expect a rollercoaster season.

2012 Raiders Predictions

Place they’ll finish in AFC West: 3rd
Place they’ll finish in AFC Conference: 10th

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