Raiders Preview Capsule

Posted August 31, 2019 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) puts on his helmet prior to the team's NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. Brown missed significant practice time dealing with frost-bitten feet suffered while getting cryotherapy treatment in France and waging a battle with the NFL over the use of his outdated helmet. He lost a grievance to allow him to use the helmet that's no longer certified as safe and returned to camp. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File) The Associated Press

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12)

New faces: WR Antonio Brown, T Trent Brown, WR Tyrell Williams, DE Clelin Ferrell, RB Josh Jacobs, S Johnathan Abram, CB Trayvon Mullen, S Lamarcus Joyner, OL Richie Incognito, LB Vontaze Burfict, DE Benson Mayowa, WR Ryan Grant, WR J.J. Nelson, WR Hunter Renfrow, DT Ethan Westbrooks.

Key losses: TE Jared Cook, RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Jordy Nelson, OL Kelechi Osemele, WR Seth Roberts, TE Lee Smith, DB Rashaan Melvin, DB Marcus Gilchrist, DB Reggie Nelson, DL Frostee Rucker, T Donald Penn, RB Doug Martin.

Strengths: Raiders spent offseason adding targets on outside for QB Derek Carr. Brown is NFL's most prolific receiver past six seasons in Pittsburgh but has baggage as evidenced early in training camp with odd foot injury and dispute with NFL over banned helmet. Raiders hope those issues resolved by start of season and big-time playmaker can get Carr back to level of 2016 when he was MVP candidate. Williams provides another deep threat, rookie Renfrow and Grant are strong options in slot.

Weaknesses: Raiders finished last in NFL with 13 sacks after trading away star Khalil Mack. Improving that has been rallying cry all offseason but questions remain whether players are there to do it. Ferrell was surprise pick at fourth overall and projects as solid three-down end more than elite pass rusher. Second-year DE Arden Key needs major improvement and defense needs to get better inside push for success.

Fantasy Players To Watch: RB Josh Jacobs. Coach Jon Gruden vowed to run Jacobs plenty soon after drafting him, delighting fantasy owners. Jacobs had more than 15 carries in game twice in three seasons at Alabama but will be three-down back in offense that likes to run. Jacobs also skilled in passing game and will offer value as receiver as well.

Vegas Says: Win Super Bowl 120-1. Over/under wins 6.

Expectations: Raiders looking for positive send-off in final season in Oakland before planned move to Las Vegas. Competing in tough AFC West with Kansas City and Chargers will be difficult. But offense should be more dynamic with Brown and Williams out wide, Jacobs as main running back and Carr in second season in Gruden's system. Success will depend on 2018 first-round LT Kolton Miller giving Carr time to throw and defense taking major step forward behind young DL Ferrell and Maurice Hurst, and improved secondary led by CB Gareon Conley and Abram.

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FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2018, file photo, Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden, center left, speaks with quarterback Derek Carr before the team's NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore. "We have to win this year," Carr said. "Nobody cares about what's after this. We have to win now. What's cool about this team is the expectation." (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is shown during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Raidersâ worldwide tour gets started in the preseason when they play a "home" exhibition against Green Bay in Winnipeg on Thursday, Aug. 22. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File) The Associated Press

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