The Oakland Raiders enter the 2011-2012 season with high hopes. Running back Darren McFadden emerged last year as one of the league’s most productive runners. It’s hoped that quarterback Jason Campbell will become more comfortable in the offensive scheme this year. The Raiders defense should continue to play strong football in the 2011-2012 campaign.
The Raiders schedule starts out tough, however, as they must travel to Mile-High Stadium to take on divisional rival Denver Broncos in week 1. Then, in weeks 3 and 4, the mettle of the team will be tested as they host the New York Jets and the New England Patriots back-to-back. The Jets are sure to boast a hard-hitting defense again this year, and are potential Super Bowl contenders. The Patriots will possess a high-powered offense again with quarterback Tom Brady under the helm. After these two games, it will be clear whether Oakland is ready to start competing with playoff-caliber competition in the AFC.
In week 5, Oakland heads to Houston, to face another high-powered offense in the Texans. The Oakland secondary will have to control star wide receiver Andre Johnson. This will be a tough job, as now the secondary is missing all-pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who left for the Eagles in the offseason.
After what should be easier games against the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland has a bye, then returns to action by hosting the Broncos. This is followed by a trip to San Diego, to face Philip Rivers and the Chargers in a divisional game. The Chargers consistently possess one of the stronger offenses in the AFC, and should represent another significant test for the Raiders.
In week 14, the Raiders travel to Green Bay to play last year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Packers. Oakland already faces a difficult task in playing the defending champs in Green Bay, but this is made all the more difficult by the fact that the game is in December. Thus, Green Bay will likely have temperatures near freezing, weather the Raiders aren’t used to. This combined with the deafening hostility of the Green Bay fans could make this game a difficult hurdle for Oakland.
In week 15, the Raiders head back to Oakland to host the Detroit Lions, in what could be a matchup of two young but up-and-coming teams. Detroit is led by second year quarterback Matthew Stafford and star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. While it will be a feat for the Raiders defense to shut them down, the Detroit defensive line will also have to contend with the running of Darren McFadden.
In week 17, the Raiders host the San Diego Chargers in what could be a potential showdown for the division title. While San Diego is the odds-on favorite to win the title, Oakland will most likely pose their stiffest competition for it. Thus, the week 17 game between these two could have serious playoff implications.
2011-2012 Oakland Raiders Schedule
Week 1: at Denver Broncos
Week 2: at Buffalo Bills
Week 3: New York Jets
Week 4: New England Patriots
Week 5: at Houston Texans
Week 6: Cleveland Browns
Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8: Bye
Week 9: Denver Broncos
Week 10: at San Diego Chargers
Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 12: Chicago Bears
Week 13: at Miami Dolphins
Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
Week 15: Detroit Lions
Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 17: San Diego Chargers
