Oakland fell far short of the expectations that accompanied last spring’s huge spending spree, finishing the disappointing 2004 campaign at 5-11, just one game better than the miserable 2003 season. The team was bad on both sides of the ball, as the defense ranked a or near the bottom of the AFC in most categories and first year Head Coach Norv Turner’s offense never really took off. That group scored just 20.0 PPG and ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing. However, QB Kerry Collins had a strong season stepping in for injured Rich Gannon, and WR Jerry Porter also emerged as a big-time player. Adding WR Randy Moss to the mix in 2005 offers fresh hope for a return to Raiders glory, as early as this season. Between Moss, DT Warren Sapp, and CB Charles Woodson, this team is as loaded with stars as anyone, and should have enough complimentary players again to contend.

Obviously anytime you add a player of Moss’ talent to the mix, that story is going to be the big news of the offseason. He is the deep threat that this organization has always coveted and should have a huge impact on opening up all facets of the offense. The running game should also be bolstered by the versatile abilities of free agent signees RB’s Rob Konrad (MIA) and LaMont Jordan (NYJ). However, there were also some key moves made on the defensive side of the ball where CB’s were added with both of the top two picks in the draft, and three key free agents were signed. Of those, DE Derrick Burgess of Philadelphia figures to have the biggest impact. Frankly though, this organization’s free agent class of 2004 failed it miserably, and the Raiders will be counting on bigger contributions from players like Sapp and LB Dwayne Rudd in 2005.

It’s amazing to consider how vastly different the 2005 Oakland team shapes up from the AFC title group of just three years ago. The ironic thing is that this team may be more talented overall. Collins is one of the best long ball passers in the league so Moss should have a huge impact. If the defensive unit can improve even slightly, the Raiders could be one of the pleasant turnaround stories in the NFL in 2005.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating: 15 (25 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (6 toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 5-11)(ATS 6-9-1)

L3 years:(SU 5-11)(ATS 6-9-1)

Coach Norv Turner: (SU 5-11) (ATS 6-9-1)

Trends by month

September

Oakland is 20-10 ATS vs. AFC East ( 9/8 + 3 more games)

Raiders are 3-9 ATS home against Kansas City ( 9/18)

Al's Silver & Black are 7-2 ATS away in Sept., off home game (9/25)

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October

Oakland is 1-11 ATS in October

Raiders are 3-11 ATS home vs. San Diego (10/16)

Tennessee is 6-0 against number hosting Oakland (10/30)

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November

Oakland is 7-3-1 ATS in November

Raiders are 4-1-1 ATS as visitor in K.C. (11/6)

Broncos are 7-3 ATS visiting Raiders (11/13)

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December

Oakland is 9-3-1 ATS against the Jets (12/11)

Tim Brown's old team is 2-11 ATS at home vs. team with below .500 record (? 12/18)

Raiders are 3-15-1 ATS in home finale (12/31)

Top Teaser Angle:

Oakland is 15-1 UNDER vs. 6-pt. teaser at home against team with > .500 record

Top Money Line Angle:

Oakland is 1-11 (-17 units) against ML in October games

Top Totals Angle:

Oakland is 12-3 UNDER at home vs. team with winning record

Pre-Season O/U wins:

UNDER 8 -115 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Randy Moss

Fantasy Player Bust: Courtney Anderson