NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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20. Oakland Raiders, 0.12 nERD

Tied for 20th in nERD are the Oakland Raiders, who draw the NFL's second-hardest schedule by projected nERD. The 12-4 squad from a year ago had a point differential of +31, worse than the Denver Broncos (9-7) and Philadelphia Eagles (7-9). In all, the Raiders boasted a nERD of just 0.49 and played more like a .500 team than a .750 team.

Behind the 8th-best offense (8th in passing and 15th in rushing) and one of the best offensive lines in the game, the Raiders' only drawback is the defense, which ranked 27th overall last season by our metrics.

They addressed -- or tried to address -- their need in the defensive secondary by drafting Gareon Conley, who fell in the draft due to off-field issues, 24th overall and Obi Melifonwu 56th overall.

The Raiders, with defensive improvement, should improve upon their mostly-average nERD in 2017, but they might not be able to live up to the 12-4 record they overachieved with last season.

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