The Raiders . . .
Can win the AFC West if ... they can consistently stop the run, they get the offensive line to protect quarterback Jason Campbell and open sizable holes for running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, and they shed the losing mind-set that has permeated past Raiders teams. Oh, and there's also the small matter of beating the San Diego Chargers for the first time since the 2003 season. Not to worry, coach Tom Cable said. He is so confident in his team that he has his players wearing shirts that read: "Champions. We are going to win the AFC West and then go after the Super Bowl."
Will miss the playoffs again if ... they can't win more than two divisional games, they lose games to the kind of teams playoff-caliber squads dominate, and they don't succeed in running the ball and stopping the run. It's not easy making the sizable leap from a five-win team to a playoff team, but coach Tom Cable feels as if the pieces are in place. The Raiders had a breakthrough of sorts last season, when they showed they could beat playoff-bound teams and top teams on the road. Now it's a matter of getting the consistency needed to perform at a high level.
THE OFFENSE
TE ZACH MILLER
WHY HE IS THE linchpin
Miller has been the Raiders' most reliable receiver the past three seasons, and he keeps getting better. New quarterback Jason Campbell keeps one eye on Miller at all times, for he knows where to look when a play has to be made. The Raiders intend to maximize Miller's talents by getting him the ball more, especially whenever they get near the end zone.
Miller would be a household name if he had played in a different offense the past three seasons. Fans nationwide should be plenty aware of him by season's end.
Three other difference-makers
WR Louis Murphy
He led Raiders wide receivers in catches (34), yards (521) and touchdowns (four) last season, as a rookie, and is primed to do so again. He will be the Raiders No. 1 receiver until Chaz Schilens returns from a knee injury.
RB Darren McFadden
His receiving ability creates matchup nightmares for defenses and makes the Raiders' offense more dynamic. A thumb injury to Michael Bush clears the way for McFadden to show what he can do as an every-down back.
QB Jason Campbell
He isn't JaMarcus Russell, which just about guarantees that the Raiders will get more production from the position. He brings accuracy, toughness and leadership, and he already has the support of his teammates.
THE DEFENSE
CB NNAMDI ASOMUGHA
WHY HE IS THE LINCHPIN
Asomugha still is regarded as one of the league's best all-around cornerbacks, and for good reason. His reputation stands to grow this season now that the Raiders are turning him loose to shadow the opposing team's top receiver more than on occasion.
Asomugha doesn't talk about his exploits, but opponents know all about his ability. It is common for teams to stay away from the receiver covered by Asomugha for an entire game.
The Raiders will take that again this season, especially with Asomugha on the opponent's top receiver.
THREE OTHER DIFFERENCE-MAKERS
DT Richard Seymour
His primary position is defensive tackle, but he will move all around the line in search of the most favorable matchup. The Raiders are counting on big things from Seymour, who had 47 tackles and four sacks last season.
MLB Rolando McClain
The Raiders traded Kirk Morrison because they are convinced McClain already is better at stopping the run, defending the pass and blitzing. But can McClain produce the kind of impact plays that Morrison failed to make?
OLB Kamerion Wimbley
He is a proven run-stopper and pass-rusher, which the Raiders have lacked at the strongside position. The Raiders already have seen enough from Wimbley to think they pulled one over on the Cleveland Browns in a trade for the fifth-year player.
SCHEDULE
Biggest date: NOV. 7
The Kansas City Chiefs are the kind of opponent the Raiders should beat if they are to be a playoff-caliber team. If they lose and have fewer than five victories at the time, the chatter will heat up about coach Tom Cable's job being in jeopardy. The Raiders are off the following week, which would give managing general partner Al Davis time to make a coaching change.
PLAYERS TO PREPARE FOR
Titans RB Chris Johnson (Sept. 12 Tennessee): He led the NFL in rushing last season with 2,006 yards.
49ers ILB Patrick Willis (Oct. 17 at Candlestick): The Raiders got a sneak preview of Willis in an exhibition. Be very afraid, Darren McFadden.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (Nov. 21 at Pittsburgh): The Raiders were picked apart by Big Ben last season but still won.
Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Dec. 12 at Jacksonville): He is one of the toughest backs because of his versatility and ability to turn short runs into long ones.
Colts QB Peyton Manning (Dec. 26 at the Coliseum): No one dictates the tempo and flow of a game like Manning does.
ROSTER
PLAY TO KNOW
MCFADDEN AS A WIDE RECEIVER
Using running back Darren McFadden as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation didn't work out too well in 2008. No problem. The Raiders discovered that they can line up McFadden at wide receiver a handful of times and capitalize on mismatches, with McFadden covered by a slower cornerback or safety. McFadden simply runs a slant or an in-route, hauls in a quick pass and uses his speed to turn a short pass into a long gain.
AFC WEST REPORT
San Diego Chargers: Coach Norv Turner's window with the team he inherited won't be open much longer. Playing without No. 1 receiver Vincent Jackson and left offensive tackle Marcus McNeill won't help matters any.
Denver Broncos: Coach Josh McDaniels is a Bill Belichick disciple, without the success and leadership to match. He also has to overcome losing No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami and top defender Elvis Dumervil to injury.
Kansas City Chiefs: Second-year coach Todd Haley's drastic makeover isn't quite over, and neither is the losing. This is the year to see if Haley's tough-love approach is working.
NUMEROLOGY
100
The Raiders play the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos for the 100th time in the regular season.
13
Consecutive losses to the San Diego Chargers, tied for the longest active streak.
27
Seasons since the Raiders won their last Super Bowl. The Raiders beat the Washington Redskins 38-9 in 1984.
0
Prime-time games this season. The Raiders' Bay Area counterparts, the 49ers, have four.
