The Las Vegas Raiders: A 2023 Season Overview

As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for the 2023 NFL season, fans are eagerly anticipating their team’s performance following a disappointing previous year. With their Super Bowl odds currently listed at +12000, the Raiders have a lot to prove on the field. Let’s delve into the intricacies of their last season’s performance, betting insights, standout players, and the upcoming schedule.

Raiders’ Last Season Performance

In the previous season, the Raiders faced a turbulent journey. Finishing with a record of 4-13, they were unable to secure a playoff spot. This performance was marked by several key statistics:

• Scoring Offense: The team averaged only 18.2 points per game, placing them 28th in the league. Their struggles in finding the end zone significantly hindered their ability to compete effectively.

• Defensive Struggles: The Raiders’ defense allowed an average of 25.5 points per game, ranking 25th. This combination of offensive and defensive shortcomings was detrimental to their overall tally.

• Home and Away Records: Interestingly, the Raiders managed to win only two games at home and two on the road, showcasing consistency issues. They notably struggled within their own division, going winless in the AFC West, finishing 0-6.

• Close Games: In one-score games, they concluded with a 3-4 record, often unable to seize crucial moments that could have changed their fortunes. Their record in contests decided by less than a field goal stood at 1-1.

• Daytime Matches: Curiously, while they were winless in daytime games, they did manage to clinch four wins in night matches (4-12 overall).

Postseason Odds and Betting Insights

Looking ahead, the Raiders’ postseason odds reflect a critical need for improvement.

• Odds to Win the AFC West: Currently listed at +2000, this indicates that a $100 bet could win $2,000. This position emphasizes the perceived challenges the Raiders face within a competitive division.

• Super Bowl Odds Insights: With their Super Bowl odds at +12000, the Raiders currently hold a mere 0.8% chance of clinching the title, placing them 25th among all NFL teams.

• Betting Performance: Last season, the Raiders won seven games against the spread but failed to cover or pushed in 10 encounters. Moreover, their games went over the point total on nine occasions. As underdogs, they saw limited success, winning only twice throughout a challenging season.

Raiders Top Performers

Despite last season’s struggles, there were some standout individual performances worth noting:

• Geno Smith (Quarterback): With 4,320 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, Smith’s efforts were commendable, showcasing what potential starting quarterbacks can achieve. His 70.4% completion rate further solidified his performance.

• Notable Receivers: Players like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers made significant contributions with Bowers achieving 1,194 receiving yards and Meyers totaling 1,027 yards, each impacting the game significantly despite their team’s challenges.

• Defensive Players: Maxx Crosby was a standout on defense with 7.5 sacks, while teammates like Jeremy Chinn and Adam Butler contributed effectively in tackles and interceptions.

2024 Schedule Overview

The Raiders’ upcoming schedule is critical for their bounce-back efforts. Here’s a brief outlook on their early matchups:

• Week 1: They’ll kick off the season on September 7 against the New England Patriots, aiming for a positive start.

• Week 2: A home game against division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on September 15 could set the tone for their divisional performance.

• Division Matches: Their matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 7) and Denver Broncos (Week 10) will be highly anticipated as the Raiders seek to break free from their winless divisional streak.

• Final Stretch: As the season progresses, contests against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys will test the Raiders’ mettle as they vie for a playoff push.

The Raiders remain a work in progress, showing flashes of potential with key players while grappling with their recent history. For fans, the hope is not just in improved statistics but in a palpable change in team culture and performance on the field as they aim for a brighter future in the NFL landscape.