Heading into Year 3, Jon Gruden and his new-look Las Vegas Raiders appear to be heading in the right direction as a franchise. The team won three more games in 2019 than they did in the previous season and were in the playoff hunt all the way through Week 17.
But what are the expectations for the 2020 season? With the Kansas City Chiefs in the division, it feels incredibly unlikely that they will be able to take win the AFC West. But is a winning season possible despite their incredibly difficult schedule?
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they named the best-case scenario and the worst-case scenario for each team entering the 2020 season. For the Raiders, a 10-6 season was named as the best possible outcome if all things break correctly for them. Take a look at Ben Linsey’s thoughts on the best possible scenario for the Raiders this season:
(Maxx) Crosby, (Maurice) Hurst and Clelin Ferrell all take big steps in their young careers, while the additions of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski at linebacker help secure the middle of the field. Prince Amukamara brings a reliable, veteran presence to the secondary, and the young guys do hold their own in coverage. Meanwhile, on offense, the addition of Henry Ruggs III adds some juice and entices Carr to attack downfield more often.
The defense stepping up would undoubtedly go a long way towards the Raiders improving on their seven-win season from a year ago. A defense that can hold opponents under 24 points will give them a chance in nearly every contest this season.
But ultimately, their success relies on the offense and quarterback Derek Carr. If the offense can improve, specifically in the red zone, there is no reason this team can’t win double-digit games this season despite their early-season schedule. 10-6 might be a bit of a stretch for the Raiders this season, but don’t be surprised if they improve on their win total and reach eight on nine wins during the 2020 season.
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