AFC West 2015 Predictions

Oakland Raiders

Aug 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the St. Louis Rams in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Record: 10-6 (3-3 in division)

For starters, I’d like to defend my prediction of the Oakland Raiders going 10-6 with a disclaimer to the haters.

First and foremost, I’m not a Raiders fan — they’ve simply taken advantage of the process.

Thanks to some serious patience and some previously horrendous football, the Oakland Raiders have a fighting chance to re-make a name for themselves in 2015.

In a similar situation with the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland will find itself in the mix thanks in large part to Denver’s fall from grace and San Diego’s hurtful relationship with mediocrity.

It’s just that simple.

Most recently, the Raiders acquired former Alabama star Amari Cooper in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Him, mixed with a more seasoned Derek Carr could prove to be deadly for the rest of the league.

Should this year come to it’s full fruition and the Raiders see themselves into the AFC playoff picture, expect this year’s team to give the normal football juggernauts a run for their money.

And their momma.

Next: Scott Keesee - San Diego Chargers