Predict the 2026 record - your realistic expectations

[Viper]

With Mendoza needing time to adjust, an unproven O line and what I consider average receivers, I’m not really expecting to light it up on offense.

Defensively, we should be at least middle of the pack. That should go a long ways in helping stack wins.

Having said that, we are improved across the board yet still more work to do. I would predict we have 6 wins this year, double what we had last year. If Pete can manage 3 last year, I have faith with a better coaching staff we can do better. If we can beat the teams we’re supposed to plus staying close in the 4th quarter against better talent, we have a punchers chance in some of those.

Personally, at least another year or two to make some real noise if we nail FA and the draft.

[RI RAIDER]

This is going to be a punt season (if we are being honest). We have to many question marks with our OL and WR's. I am just hoping for 2 things. Fernando gets some decent playing time and excels and Maxx crushes it (to be traded at a later date).

[raidersince63]

This is going to be a punt season (if we are being honest). We have to many question marks with our OL and WR's. I am just hoping for 2 things. Fernando gets some decent playing time and excels and Maxx crushes it (to be traded at a later date).

I'm with you on that...if Maxx can go through a few games with no sign of lingering injury concerns, and can put up Crosby type numbers, I still think there's a good chance he is traded to a contender.

[RI RAIDER]

I'm with you on that...if Maxx can go through a few games with no sign of lingering injury concerns, and can put up Crosby type numbers, I still think there's a good chance he is traded to a contender.

The extra cap space from trading Maxx (we are already in good shape for next year) would be HUGE. Add to that the draft capital, and its a win win. Next years draft (QB HEAVY) should put us in good position to grab a #1 WR, an OT, or an edge (loaded) to replace Maxx.

[BoJacksonRules]

If the Oline exceeds expectations than we will have a winning record, if they don’t, our ceiling is 6 wins

[raidersince63]

The extra cap space from trading Maxx (we are already in good shape for next year) would be HUGE. Add to that the draft capital, and its a win win. Next years draft (QB HEAVY) should put us in good position to grab a #1 WR, an OT, or an edge (loaded) to replace Maxx.

Exactly, and considering that if he's traded he will likely go to a contender. If that happens it also likely means we might garner multiple draft picks because just one first rounder from a true contender would probably be in the 20th to the 30th pick range which would almost be like getting a 2nd rounder...and Maxx is worth more than that, IMO...even if that sounds a bit "homeriffic".

[raiders93]

Honestly not expecting much in the way of wins. We were the worst team in the league last year in a division with 3 legitimate playoff teams. We didn’t get the top pick by luck… that was the culmination of several years of bad decision making.

To me this season is about Mendoza and Kubiak far more than wins and losses. The question to me isn’t can a rookie QB and rookie head coach undo 10+ years of bad management overnight?

To me the question is - can we go into next offseason looking like we’ve solved the 2 most important pieces and now have the fun part of free agency + draft to get the rest of the team up to par.?

[Opoponax50]

I'm with you on that...if Maxx can go through a few games with no sign of lingering injury concerns, and can put up Crosby type numbers, I still think there's a good chance he is traded to a contender.

But then why would we trade him?

Trading him in the first place was a big gamble for this franchise. We would've been going from a sure thing to rolling the dice, which is a risky thing to do. My guess is that once the Ravens backed out, our FO breathed a huge sigh of relief.

If Maxx is kicking ass we won't trade him. If he's underperforming due to injury, no one's going to want to trade for him. We took our shot with Baltimore, so IMO the trading ship has sailed.

[raidersince63]

But then why would we trade him?

Trading him in the first place was a big gamble for this franchise. We would've been going from a sure thing to rolling the dice, which is a risky thing to do. My guess is that once the Ravens backed out, our FO breathed a huge sigh of relief.

If Maxx is kicking ass we won't trade him. If he's underperforming due to injury, no one's going to want to trade for him. We took our shot with Baltimore, so IMO the trading ship has sailed.

Because "if Maxx is kicking ass" that's when his value would be highest and could bring us a very good return.And I disagree that the FO was glad the Ravens backed out because what they agreed to give us (TWO #1 picks) would have been a huge boost to our rebuild and that's exactly where the Raiders are, rebuilding. Trading Maxx would also free up a ton of valuable cap space which would also assist in the rebuild.

The Raiders probably have at least 2 more years of rebuilding before we'll be close to being where we want to be and Crosby will also be pushing 31 by then. So if Maxx's presence isn't going to bring us a SB in the next 2 years anyway, management may decide that he's more valuable in a trade later this year, IF the return is worth it.

[mstrbass2000]

recent history would suggest less then 2 yrs to becoming a contender see the patriots/seattle

[BoKnows81]

But then why would we trade him?

Trading him in the first place was a big gamble for this franchise. We would've been going from a sure thing to rolling the dice, which is a risky thing to do. My guess is that once the Ravens backed out, our FO breathed a huge sigh of relief.

If Maxx is kicking ass we won't trade him. If he's underperforming due to injury, no one's going to want to trade for him. We took our shot with Baltimore, so IMO the trading ship has sailed.

Why was it a big gamble? He's approaching 30 and this is a rebuilding team. It was a smart decision to trade him and it still is. You are 100% wrong that this FO "breathed a huge sigh of relief" once the Ravens backed out. They knew trading him was the right call and whoever thinks otherwise obviously doubts this FO.

[heavyD]

recent history would suggest less then 2 yrs to becoming a contender see the patriots/seattle

They aren't exactly the norm as for every Patriots/Seahawks quick turnaround there's the Cardinals, Jets, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Vikings, Falcons, Panthers that draft starting QB's high in the 1st round and never become a contender or even very good.

[mstrbass2000]

They aren't exactly the norm as for every Patriots/Seahawks quick turnaround there's the Cardinals, Jets, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Vikings, Falcons, Panthers that draft starting QB's high in the 1st round and never become a contender or even very good.

there have been others who have in recent yrs turned around from worst or near worst to contender in 1 yr too...washington,denver,houston ...i think we are on that trajectory rather then the failed ones

[Cruisin with Tooz]

But then why would we trade him?

For the same reason Cle traded Garrett.

[SuperRaider]

there have been others who have in recent yrs turned around from worst or near worst to contender in 1 yr too...washington,denver,houston ...i think we are on that trajectory rather then the failed ones

Don’t think that going to happen; The Raiders DT department is pretty weak…also new HC bringing in a whole new playbook for everyone to learn…I think what will happen is we go 3-10 and then win the last three or four games at the end of the season….I just want to see the raiders fight till the end in every game….

We got quite a few pieces; but we need another draft and more free agents next season to really put it together….

[heavyD]

there have been others who have in recent yrs turned around from worst or near worst to contender in 1 yr too...washington,denver,houston ...i think we are on that trajectory rather then the failed ones

And Washington regressed because success came too early. Broncos and Houston had a lot of pieces in place and just needed a QB. QB was one of many roster shortcomings for the Raiders. Much more work to do.