Las Vegas Raiders: PPG 19.5, Sacks 46 Tied 13th

The Raiders experience another lackluster season, finishing with another losing record. Although it was a losing record, it was the second best in the unimpressive AFC West. They earned those eight wins with predominantly a good defense. 

They did it with studs and hard nose play led by their skilled IDPs which we will mention later. Interim coach Antonio Pierce has been promoted to head coach and teams take on their personality of their head coach. The Raider are not an exception, and the tough defensive play, and running offense should be back again.

2024 Expectations: 11th

Daniel Carlson is an excellent kicker, some could debate the best in the league, but he didn’t show up last year. He will return to form, and their defense could actually improve on their ninth performance of last year. It will take some work though, and for this prediction they are expected to move just out of the top ten.

The truth is they may have the best defensive lineman in the NFL with Maxx Crosby… but more on him later. They have added a tremendous player on the interior with Christian Wilkins. He may not show up in the stat sheet but he will help every player around him. Maybe the most underrated free agent acquisition of the off-season.

They still have a better than average secondary and possible all pros at linebacker. It would not be surprising if they are a top ten defense again, but the reason for the drop is their lack of offense. Two high draft picks on tight ends, and the lack of a true quarterback one could put their defense in a bind yet again.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DL Maxx Crosby

LB Robert Spillane

DB Nate Hobbs

Maxx Crosby is a force on the defensive line, and has been since the moment the Raiders moved to their first permanent home in Las Vegas. He has played every game of the past four years, and every snap is full tilt. This has led to his nickname of Madd Maxx, he has a non stop motor.

He has led the league in tackles for loss the past two seasons, 22 and 23. He has double digit sacks the past two seasons of 12.5 and 14.5. He has 89 and 90 combined tackles in the past two seasons as well. The stats are consistent and that takes non stop effort and health. Two things Crosby can hang his hat on.

Maxx Crosby has been the first true (not hybrid) defensive linemen in every IDP league I have participated in thus far. He is the man, and he gets drafted like the man. Expect to pay up for it. 

Robert Spillane is an underrated linebacker and has a great opportunity to be a reliable IDP this season. He set several career best marks, and tied other numbers in which he didn’t set career highs.

17 games started, 148 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble were all his best marks in five NFL seasons. Although not regarded as an elite linebacker, he has one of the most factors of being a great linebacker…. A great defensive line. The addition of Christian Wilkins will free up space for a true box inside linebacker.

Spillane is tricky to predict for IDP draft stock. He has gone higher than expected and not drafted in IDP leagues. The Raiders could have a bad offense that could lead to a a higher snap count for Spillane… a good thing for IDP leagues. If you want him get him

Nate Hobbs’ season was cut short due to injury, but he still put up a career best 86 combined tackles, and 6 of them for a loss. He will be needed in a changing secondary and could deliver on a 100+ tackle season, which is always a great metric for defensive backs. 

As the nickel back he will be moved across the field and be in position for big plays in addition to a high tackle volume. He will likely go undrafted and can be added for minimal or no roster stock. Grab him and sit on him as he could be a surprise high scorer.

Tomorrow the Green Bay Packers.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy