NFL Winning Picks

Line: Tennessee (-6.5) OaklandPick with Points: OaklandPick Straight-up: TennesseeTennessee stands to pull out the Week 1 victory; however, this game will be much closer than most odds-makers think. Favored by a full touchdown, at least Vegas is fairly confident Oakland will find themselves outmatched when they hit the road to take on the Titans. While recent Raider tradition would hold this hypothesis true, the Men in (silver &) Black should take a giant leap forward this year and at least remain competitive in their opener. Finally free from the glorified sack of potatoes that’s been lining up under center since the Raiders selected QB JaMarcus Russell with the 1 pick in the 2007, suddenly it appears as if Oakland has some nice pieces in place on offense. Incoming quarterback Jason Campbell may not remind the Raiders faithful of the Rich Gannon glory days, but entering his 6^th season of NFL service he has already proven himself as a competent NFL signal caller, more than one could say about Russell. Second year WR Louis Murphy looks to be a steal out of Florida, showing flashes of greatness his rookie year amid rocky QB play, and who knows, with Russell gone maybe fellow second year WR Darrius Heyward-Bey won’t be a bust after all. QB-friendly TE Zach Miller will give Campbell a security blanket in case it takes him time to get clicking with his new receivers. In the backfield, Darren McFadden has the higher profile and elite pedigree, though Michael Bush may emerge as the more consistent runner. Either way, the Raiders can be confident in their production from the RB position. (more…)