Raiders looking at Vegas; Does the risk outweigh the reward?

After missing out on their initial plans to move to Los Angeles, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis has reportedly been exploring new locations for his franchise. After looking into the San Antonio area, Davis visited Las Vegas, where a new stadium is being built by a local casino owner.

Is Las Vegas really a realistic location for an NFL franchise? The NFL Mocks staff gave their opinions on the Raiders interest in Sin City.

Rodney: It’s gotten to the point where all of these stories are embarrassing for those that live in Oakland. Every week there’s a new theory on where the Raiders will end up and it has to be heartbreaking for those that have passionately sat behind the team through its toughest years. Being from Seattle and losing our basketball team I feel for the Oakland Raiders Nation and what they’re going through.

Jon: HUGE risk. Vegas is not a sports town. With so much going on in Vegas would people even care about a sub-par football team? The social aspects are definitely another concern. Not much to do in Vegas besides gamble, strip clubs, etc

Erik: Makes perfect sense. Las Vegas is a city that has a heavy financial backing and the added bonus of having no other professional sports teams to compete with for attention. The Raiders would be all alone on that front and the city has a considerable population to grow with. Best of all, the team is poised to start winning in the near future, so if they do move soon the timing would be perfect. It’s a mutually beneficial venture.

Matt: The risk is no where even close to the reward. Most of the raiders team is young and they do a good job staying out of trouble, so let’s not tempt them by putting them in Vegas. If Cleveland can’t keep Manziel out of Vegas getting in trouble, who would stop the raiders who actually live there? This screams disaster and I hope the ghost of Al Davis makes sure this does not happen.