Las Vegas is cautiously optimistic heading into the 2024 NFL Season. With pundits saying the Raiders’ chances of making this year’s postseason is at a healthy +310 (although some betting sites say the figure is closer to +750), Antonio Pierce’s wards and head honchos have every reason to believe this year will smile better for the storied yet recently struggling franchise.
So, how is 2024 going to be different for the Silver and Black? Let’s examine some factors influencing the Las Vegas Raiders’ odds to make the playoffs this season.
What Betting Experts Say?
Although the Raiders showcased their tenacity in upsetting the eventual 2023 Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts’ 23-20 win over the Las Vegas footballers was the final nail in the coffin of their playoff aspirations.
Still, oddsmakers place a healthy +310 to +750 odds on the Raiders, making them a fringe playoff team. The odds reflect skepticism about the Silver and Black’s past performances and optimism from a revamped coaching and roster. For those looking to take advantage of gambling opportunities, using a Gamdom can add extra value to their experience.
A few statistics are crucial to improving the Raiders’ odds of barging into the 2024 playoff picture.
Reduce Turnovers
The Raiders were the 7th worst team in turnovers last season with a -2 differential, although their defensive interceptions, takeaways, and fumbles recovered are middle-of-the-pack. That’s no way to become a playoff contender because it exposes the defense to unfavorable positions.
Third-Down Conversions
The Silver and Black were a measly 24th in converting third-downs at 35.65%, a near tie with the Redskins. By comparison, the 2023 Super Bowl Runner-Ups SF 49ers had a 47.49% conversion. The Raiders must improve this stat to boost their playoff odds.
Red Zone Efficiency
Bringing the pigskin to the end zone is the epitome of football greatness. Although field goals can add a number to the scoreboard, the iconic dance moves, and fancy celebratory antics after a touchdown are more mesmerizing. Sadly, the Raiders only managed to carry the ball to the red zone 36 times, which is not good enough for 24th place.
Better Odds with an Improved Roster?
Aidan O’Connell called the shots on the field in 2023 after the Raiders parted ways with Jimmy Garoppolo, the QB with an enviable blend of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy. The field general passed for 2,218 yards with a dozen touchdowns and a 6.5-yard average gain per pass attempt.
Although the Raiders also brought Gardner Minshew on QB after inking a two-year deal, wide receiver Davante Adams loves O’Connell acting as starting QB more than Minshew. Adams and O’Connell’s on-field chemistry is evident in the latter’s passing completion averages.
The Silver and Black also signed running backs Tyrek McAllister and Alexander Mattison in the offseason to shore up Josh Jacobs (805 yards and six touchdowns) and Zamir White’s (339 yards on 79 attempts) one-two combo in rushing. It should be interesting to see how the Raiders’ running game unfolds in 2024.
Unfortunately, letting go of some pieces for high-impact players doesn’t always guarantee a successful playoff run. Other teams are also shopping for the best gridiron specialists, which can dampen the Silver and Black’s odds of barging into the playoffs.
Defensive Boost
Patrick Graham will continue to command the Raiders’ defense from the sidelines, employing a more aggressive scheme of applying pressure on opposing players and creating turnovers.
In 2023, Robert Spillane led the team in tackles with 148, while Maxx Crosby remained an opposing QB’s worst nightmare with 14.5 sacks. New Raider Jalen Carter will complement Crosby’s relentless pass-rushing prowess to disrupt interior offensive lines and allow Crosby to pin the passer in the pocket.
The Silver and Back are also happy with their newest additions from the 2024 Draft class, including three-time First Team All-American tight end Brock Bowers, Riminglon Trophy winning guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, third team All-Big Ten honoree, tackle DJ Glaze, and two-time SEC tackles leader cornerback Decameron Richardson.
Stephon Gilmore will continue as the Raiders’ on-field mentor for the booming youngsters. Moreover, Marcus Epps will bring the much-needed physicality and tenacious coverage ability to the secondary unit that struggled with big plays.
Coaching Shakeup
A clash of game strategies saw Josh McDaniels leave the Raider’s door in November 2023, propelling Antonio Pierce to the head coaching position in the interim. In January this year, the Raiders formally signed Pierce as the franchise’s head coach for the 2024 season, as reported by Guardian.ng.
Pierce is no stranger to the game, having served as the Raiders’ linebackers coach from 2022 until 2023. He was a member of the New York Giants Super Bowl champs in 2007 and played for nine seasons across the Redskins and Giants.
Luke Getsy handles the offense, while Patrick Graham commands the defense. Both assistants have equally driven specialist coaches handling different teams.
The coaching shakeup about halfway into the season reflected a strong alignment between the coaching staff and the head office’s beliefs about the team’s future directions. And that’s enough to make some feel optimistic about the team’s chances in the playoffs this year.
Final Thoughts
The Raiders odds to make the playoffs in 2024 seem healthier than previous seasons. Although the team underwent a significant coaching and roster shakeup during the postseason and offseason, other NFL teams are doing the same. Everything boils down to how well O’Connel & Co. executes Pierce & Co.’s on-field strategies and tactics.
