Will the Las Vegas Raiders go over or under their win total in 2021?

The Las Vegas Raiders went 8-8 in 2020, improving on their 7-9 2019 record by one game. That did come after a 6-3 start which included big wins against the Chiefs, Saints and Browns, so there wasn‘t much celebrating after missing the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. This was the second season where the team seemed poised to get into the playoffs only to have a late-season collapse.

We’ll take a look at the latest DraftKings Sportsbook lines and predict if the Raiders can beat their 2021 win total. The odds below are as of June 1, 2021.

NFC North win totals

Kansas City Chiefs 12.5 (Over +123, Under -150)
Los Angeles Chargers 9 (Over -110, Under -110)
Denver Broncos 8.5 (Over -134, Under +110)
Las Vegas Raiders 7 (Over -115, Under +106)

Notable offseason moves

The Raiders upgraded their pass rush by signing edge-rusher Yannick Ngakoue and interior linemen Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas. But they also went to rebuild their offensive line that was already one of the best in the league. They traded away tackle Trent Brown, guard Gabe Jackson and center Rodney Hudson for reasons that aren’t all that clear. They re-signed veteran guard Richie Incognito and signed center Nick Martin and took OT Alex Leatherwood at 17th overall, but they sure seem weaker upfront than they did last season.

They also spent more on middling running back Kenyan Drake than seemed necessary. And probably their best move offensively was signing wide receiver John Brown to replace Nelson Agholor, who should be a much needed veteran presence in the receivers’ room.

Las Vegas Raiders prediction: Over 7

I don’t like the moves the Raiders made offensively this offseason, but I do think they upgraded at pass rush and are solid enough to get those seven wins and possibly more. Derek Carr is who he is, but he’s an above average player who should be able to keep his team in games. And if Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards can take a step forward this season, while Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller hold down a bulk of offensive work, they should hit this over.

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