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2016 NFL Season: Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands in the team huddle before taking a snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands in the team huddle before taking a snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders (10-6)

Biggest Strength:  Offensive Line

Just on paper this looks like one of the most formidable fronts in the NFL.  Donald Penn and Austin Howard are two decent, reliable tackles.  Rodney Hudson is a strong, solid center but the core of what makes this unit so imposing is their guards.  Gabe Jackson is an emerging talent while Kelechi Osemele is their high-priced free agent fresh from a dominant run in Baltimore.  Both are gigantic, mauling powerhouses that would make Al Davis proud.

Biggest Weakness:  Linebackers

The arrival of Bruce Irvin from free agency does help matters, but this unit is now the weakest point of their defense.  Ben Heeney is a smart, tough middle linebacker but suffers from range and athletic limitations.  Malcolm Smith provided some value in coverage but seemed overmatched too many times against the run.  Perhaps Shilique Calhoun might step up to change matters.  As it stands though this group rates as average.

Final Record Reason

This team looks like one that is ready for a playoff run.  They’re still very young though and will continue to experience some growing pains, especially in a tough division.  However, they’re learning how to win and have a strong enough core in place, surrounding by complimentary talent, to post a good enough record to reach the postseason for the first time since 2002.

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