HB
Darren McFadden* vs. Justin Fargas
The Raiders #1 or the man who got us 1000 last year in a rejuvenated rushing attack? It wouldn't shock me to see Kiffin try and old school it, and keep Fargas as the 'starter' while splitting carries to begin with... McFadden is the main man by week 6.
WR #2
Javon Walker* vs. Drew Carter vs. Johnnie Lee Higgins
Walker was the easy favorite to start, but now he got his face punched in. Carter was a potential deep sleeper before, and might step into the starting role if Walker has to sit out a considerable amount of time. Higgins' speed makes him a longshot and nothing more.
OLine
John Wade* vs. Jake Grove - C
Cornell Green vs. Mario Henderson* - RT
Will be hard to judge, but Grove's been a perennial disappointment and Henderson was a damn good blocker in college, but was injured a lot of last year... I think Wade / Henderson take it down.
DT#2
Gerard Warren vs. Terdell Sands*
I dunno how the Raiders ignore it, but our rushing defense always seems a lot better when Warren is in the game. He's just a wide, strong body that takes away a big chunk of the middle.. Sands is very average and doesn't do any one thing well, or poorly. Warren needs to be on the line.
OLB
Robert Thomas* vs. Sam Williams
Despite his health issues, Sam Williams is the pick here. He just plays better - when he plays. He's soft.. Thomas is terrible in coverage and not even that great a tackler... He should be a backup.
All in all... the Raiders won't be boring, which is the first time I can say that in a while
