• Head Coach: Pete Carroll (first season)
• PFF projected win total: 7.3
• 2024 Record: 4-13 (fourth in AFC West)

Biggest Strength: Offensive Improvement

The Raiders faced challenges last season, finishing 31st in PFF passing grade and dead last in rushing grade. This offseason, improvements have been a priority, highlighted by the addition of quarterback Geno Smith and the draft pick of running back Ashton Jeanty. Smith has a stellar record, boasting an impressive 85.6 PFF passing grade during his time with Seattle, ranking eighth in the NFL. On the other hand, Jeanty achieved a remarkable 99.9 PFF rushing grade at Boise State, indicating his potential impact on the field.

Biggest Weakness: Pass Defense

Pass defense has been a major hurdle for the Raiders. Last year, the team posted a PFF coverage grade of only 32.0, the lowest by any franchise in the last four seasons. Critical positions like cornerback, safety, and linebacker lacked players who performed with a coverage grade above 65. The pass rush isn’t looking promising either; with Maxx Crosby coming off a less-than-stellar season and Malcolm Koonce returning from a significant knee injury, the interior line lacks a standout player capable of consistently disrupting the opposition.

Quarterback Spotlight: Geno Smith

• 2024 PFF Grade: 83.1
• Key Stat: 99.9 deep PFF passing grade since 2022 (best in NFL)

While Smith’s overall statistics in 2024 may not sparkle, it’s important to note that he faced serious obstacles like poor pass protection and spotty play calling. His PFF passing grade of 82.4 ranks him among the top eight qualified quarterbacks, consistent since 2022. Smith has maintained a notable strength with his deep-ball accuracy, ranking fourth in the league last season and first overall with a perfect score over the past three years.

Offensive Player: TE Brock Bowers

Bowers quickly established his reputation in his rookie season, demonstrating why he was highly sought after from Georgia. He broke records with 1,194 receiving yards, achieving an impressive 88.4 PFF receiving grade, good for third-best in the league. Bowers also led tight ends in yards after the catch and contested catches. With a capable quarterback like Geno Smith, he has a chance to build on this foundation, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite tight ends.

Defensive Player: EDGE Maxx Crosby

Crosby faced a tough season impacted by injury last year. His overall PFF grade of 74.3 marked a dip from his previous performances. Still, he registered 54 pressures through Week 14, ranking fifth in the NFL. In the span from 2021 to 2023, Crosby excelled with a PFF grade of 93.2, placing him among the top edge defenders. With good health, he has the potential for a resurgence this season.

Rookie to Watch: RB Ashton Jeanty

Jeanty left a remarkable imprint at Boise State, and his extraordinary performance vaulted him into a top-10 draft selection. Last season, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy race and led all players with a phenomenal PFF rushing grade of 96.6. Notably, he broke PFF records, racking up 1,970 yards after contact and forcing 152 missed tackles. His presence should greatly enhance a Raiders’ rushing attack that struggled last season, with no player managing over 500 rushing yards.

Fantasy Spotlight: TE Brock Bowers

Joining the Raiders in 2024, Bowers emerged as the top fantasy tight end, leading the position in both receptions and receiving yards as a rookie. He finished with the highest fantasy points, despite some competitors missing games. With an impressive PFF receiving grade of 88.4 behind only a handful of established players, Bowers is poised to elevate his performance in the upcoming season. That said, the team's history of using tight end committees may impact his snap count, especially with run-blocking talent on the roster.

Best Bet: RB Ashton Jeanty to score 10+ rushing touchdowns (+260)

Jeanty, already highlighted as a breakout candidate, has enormous upside. Based on recent projections, he is likely to tally over 9.38 touchdowns, making the base line of 7.5 quite attainable. A wager on him scoring 10 or more rushing touchdowns presents favorable odds and appears to be within reach.

Bottom Line

The debut season of Coach Pete Carroll is expected to bring about changes, particularly with the additions of Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty, and several promising rookie receivers. These players should bring a breath of fresh air to the Raiders’ offense. However, deficiencies in defensive talent, especially in coverage, may limit their potential in a highly competitive division.