2007 Previews: Oakland Raiders

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 2-14 (worst in NFL)

Best addition: JaMarcus Russell (QB, No. 1 overall pick out of LSU)

Key personnel loss: Randy Moss (WR, Patriots)

2007 outlook: If fans want to feel better about their team - no matter how bad it has been - they only need to be thankful they aren't Oakland fans. This team is a wreck and it doesn't appear that they are going in the right direction anytime soon. There is a lot of hope Russell will be the man who will return the Raiders to excellence, but the loss of Moss will be a huge blow to a mediocre offense.

Defensively the Raiders aren't much better as this unit is battling old age, along with all of the other struggles of facing opponents. Younger pieces such as Michael Huff and Kirk Morrison will be counted on to make an impact but it will be difficult to predict how the newest coaching regime will affect this unit despite the fact that D coordinator Rob Ryan has been retained. The Raiders should change their logo to a giant question mark.

Key to success: Success is not a possible option in 2007. Every team would like to believe they have a chance to put an unforgettable season together on the way to a Super Bowl win but the Raiders don't even have enough to have that dream. This year will be about getting Russell and other young players adjusted to the NFL in hopes of making a run at 2008.

Against Washington: Former Skins boss Norv Turner was trying to turn the Raiders around the last time these two teams met - which was two coaches ago. Turner actually got the better of his former squad in 2005, 16-13. These two teams do not meet in 2007.

Fantasy sleeper: Ronald Curry. In the past, Curry has teased fantasy owners with his spurts of TD's intermixed with times injured, having them thinking that if Curry stays healthy, he could be a valuable weapon. This year will be no different but if Curry stays healthy, he could be a valuable asset. Just don't put too much stock in his health and only select him late if tempted to take a chance.