Zachary Engberg
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 10-7, lost AFC Wild Card | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 8.5
The Raiders snuck into the AFC playoffs last season despite posting a minus-65 net point differential.
The offense struggled somewhat in the second half of the season after Henry Ruggs was arrested and released and star tight end Darren Waller suffered a nebulous knee injury on Thanksgiving.
All-Pro wideout Davante Adams is likely to remedy any lack-luster offensive output, as he combines with Waller, slot star Hunter Renfrow, and bruiser Josh Jacobs to give Derek Carr a dangerous set of offensive weapons.
Veteran right guard Denzelle Good won't be a part of the offensive revolution, as the 31-year-old retired from the NFL on Monday. Good suffered a torn ACL Week 1 last season and was set to re-take the starting right guard spot on the line that was sub-par in 2021.
The defense will look to repeat a somewhat surprising campaign with a mostly healthy depth chart.
Cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. was placed on the PUP list as he recovers from an unspecified surgery in May. Mullen Jr. suffered a toe injury in Week 4 and missed 11 of the final 12 games, but should be ready for Week 1.
The two major additions on defense – linemen Bilal Nichols and Jonathan Hankins – were placed on the PUP list for an undisclosed reason but are expected to be activated soon.
Waller suffered a left IT band strain on Thanksgiving that, according to the Pro Football Docs, was minor enough to avoid missed time.
Waller, however, missed five games with the IT band strain and a back injury that was later reported on the injury report.
While the Docs are steadfast his 2021 injury was minor, they are confounded enough by his lengthy absence to drop his SIC score by 10-plus points.
Written by Zachary Engberg
