The Raiders entered today’s game knowing they had no chance of making the playoffs. However, the outcome of their game, as well as a handful of others, was needed to firm up their list of opponents for next season and where they will pick in the first round. The Raiders did their part by beating
Raiders 2021 opponents, draft order finalized
Middle of the first round.
Hmm. Get ready for a reach for an Ohio State corner or Clemson Defensive end.
Sorry I’m jaded. Raiders need to get better in the personnel department, draft and free agency if they hope to be a legitimate contender.
Ugh, what an ugly game against Denver that was. Neither team looked interested in winning it.
Hopefully, the Raiders will play all of the toughest opponents early in the year when they seem to do most of their winning.
Here’s a chart of the teams who were 8-8 or worse since 2017 and how they’ve progressed in the ensuing years (notice anything?):
2017 Record 2018 Record 2019 Record 2020 Record
Browns 0-16 7-8 6-10 11-5 Playoffs
Giants 3-13 5-11 4-12 6-10
Texans 4-12 11-5 Won AFC South, Lost in WC 10-6 Won AFC South, Lost Divisional Round 4-12
Colts 4-12 10-6 #2 WC Beath Texans 7-9 11-5 Playoff
Bears 5-11 12-4 Won NFC North. Lost in WC 8-8 8-8 Playoffs
Buccaneers 5-11 5-11 7-9 11-5 Playoffs
Jets 5-11 4-12 7-9 2-14
Broncos 5-11 6-10 7-9 5-11
Dolphins 6-10 7-9 5-11 10-6
Niners 6-10 4-12 13-3, Won NFC West, Super Bowl Runner Up 6-10
Raiders 6-10 4-12 7-9 8-8
Bengals 7-9 6-10 2-14 5-11
Packers 7-9 6-9-1 13-3, Won NFC North, Lost in Conf. Champ. 13-3 Playoff
WFT 7-9 7-9 3-13 7-9 Playoffs
Cardinals 8-8 3-13 5-10 8-8