#5 The Raiders will struggle
While Raider Nation might be dead set on an easy road to the playoffs, the reality of the situation is much worse. The Raiders will have to play the Browns, the Cowboys, the Broncos, and the Colts before taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in week 5. Now, this doesn’t mean that the team can’t make the playoffs, but two division rivals will be a lot to handle in two weeks. Furthermore, the Cowboys and the Browns will both be looking to make title runs of their own, making for a very crucial first couple of weeks.
In the end, the Raiders don’t exactly thrive under pressure, which is why they are going to be subject to some growing pains. The team has a very difficult start to the season to get through, making the few wins they may accumulate all the more crucial. Whether it comes against the Cowboys, the Browns, the Colts, the Broncos or the Chiefs remain to be seen, but it will be these victories that will give them a shot at making the wild card spot in 2021.
#4 Marcus Mariota stays in Vegas
Marcus Mariota has been a constant topic of conversation when it comes to trades during the offseason, but you have to wonder if the Raiders are actually ready to execute the move. For example, what if the Raiders really aren’t sure about Carr being the future of their organization and want to hang on to Mariota just in case? Furthermore, with Mariota’s contract paying him a high dollar to sit on the bench, why would he want to go anywhere else?
Keep in mind that the market has virtually dried up for Mariota due to his absorbant price tag if he becomes a starter, another reason why Vegas is the best option for him.
#3 Las Vegas Raiders make the playoffs
Believe it or not, the Las Vegas Raiders might have what it takes to make the playoffs this season. Not only is that evident by how bad the Broncos and the Rams are, but also by some of the softballs they will be thrown throughout the season. These matchups include the Giants in week 7, the Cincinnati Bengals in week 12, The Eagles in week 13, and the Redskins in week 14, which should be just enough to move them past other wild card candidates at the end of the season.
Where the team is able to go from there remains to be seen and will depend on how good this team really is, but they at least have a chance at getting by on a wildcard spot.
#2 Fans will be allowed in Allegiant stadium
Will Raider Nation be able to attend games in 2021? That is the question that is being endlessly explored during the offseason, but no one has really given a definitive answer. With that being said, and more people becoming vaccinated, it’s safe to say that it’s a possibility. Keep in mind that Allegiant Stadium was open for some college games last year, and is even available for tours.
#1 Derek Carr will be the starter
Like it or not, Derek Carr will most likely be the starter for the 2021 season. Of course, it will all come down to training camp and maybe even a preseason, but Carr is the most likely to prove that he deserves the starting spot. As for Marcus Mariota, he shows flashes of brilliance, but Carr just far more consistent. Beyond that, Carr is also far less likely to get injured due to his playing style, which is exactly why taking a chance on Mariota is such a risk.
