Oakland Raiders attempting to overcome image: Win total examined for 2014 season

It was widely assumed the crazy, knee-jerk decisions exhibited by the Oakland Raiders for the last decade or so would subside after the passing three years ago of team owner Al Davis. However, that wasn’t the case with the Raiders wheeling and dealing with impunity.

That leads us to this off-season. There’s a reason why the Raiders traded for Matt Schaub. Last year the quarterback-play with Terelle Pryor and Matt McGloin was forgettable. The team ranked 25th in passing and 12th rushing. Still, the addition of Derek Carr in the second round means Schaub will be looking over his shoulder (in addition to be looking at the sky after being sacked a lot).

Also, Oakland’s defense was far from Raiders-like ranking 28th against the pass and 13th against the run. That’s why the team added high-profile linebacker Khalil Mack in the first round.

Looking to this season, the Raiders are faced with the realities of living in the AFC West. Oakland faces nine playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .578 winning percentage last year (the toughest in the league). Furthermore, the Raiders will be playing only one set of back-to-back road games.

Oddsmakers have the posted at 5 for o/u wins with the under payout at -150. Unless you’re a Raiders fan believing the hype, odds are you either want to stay away from the o/u or search around for a better payout because this team will struggle in the win column.