Welcome to the Talking the Line podcast, presented to you by Talking the Line Sports Media. Giving you our best insights and analysis so you can rank in some cold hard cash on your next sportsman. Now sit on back, open up your mind, and let's cash some tickets. We can't thank you enough for joining us.
We hope you enjoy. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, ladies and gentlemen, degenerates, gamblers, fans of the Raiders or the Chargers, fans of the NFL Shield, fantasy football players, NFL betters, anybody I might have left out. For and wide, welcome in to episode number one. Oh, six of the Talking the Line podcast.
And as always, thank you so much for taking a few moments out of your day. It's going to kick it with the crew on this beautiful August 19th, 2021. If you weren't awake, I hope you are now because we have a loaded NFL special edition coming at you. I know you saw the title.
We got the L.A. Chargers and the L.V. Raiders coming at you today. But before we get into all of that, please take a few moments too.
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Within that link tree, you will find the talkin the line dot com website, all of our additional social platforms and content so you can consume all of that. However, and whenever you please. Ladies and gentlemen, beautiful gambling people, everybody far and wide joining us on episode 106. I am your humble host, Colton, cold 45 Soroka.
And I will be rowing the boat that is the talking the line podcast steadily down the stream today as we get deep into the 2021 season for the Raiders and Chargers. But I can't row it alone. I need a little help. Sometimes I go up the stream and my throat gets a little parsed.
I need some high quality H2O. So in those cases and in many other cases, when he has some serious knowledge to lay down on not only me and you, I need my partner. So let me bring in the cohost of the talking the line podcast, a man who is absolutely elated at where his white socks currently sit as we round out the 2021 MLB regular season and cannot wait to see his Packers play once again in preseason week two. He is absolutely loving what he saw from joint love, but we need him to stay healthy if we don't want to see a ride on the field early.
Nonetheless, I don't think that'll happen. But let's bring him in the man, the man, the degenerate gambling legend himself, Mr. Riley, our Max Maguson. Barter, how you doing over there today, pal?
I mean, I'm doing pretty damn solid. We got two teams on the dock today. So it's hard to be excited or hard not to be excited. Excuse me.
And you know, at least one of these teams is a team that I am beyond excited to watch and talk about. The other one is I'm excited to talk about going to the tail is going to be out on whether I'm excited to watch them on week to week basis. But hey, I'm excited to talk about them and talk about why they might be a big question mark. But we got two teams that I'm juiced to get rock and roll on here.
I am too. And I could probably take the words out of your mouth. I would happen to guess that the Raiders are the second description you gave out there and the Chargers would be the first description. If I was a betting man, who's to say I am a betting man.
So I think I'm about 100% on put minus 5,000 odds on that. But nonetheless, plenty coming to you on today's show. It's going to look a little bit different than it has from some of the NFL special editions. We'll still have the typical four segments.
We'll go through the full team breakdown schedule breakdown. Then we'll get into the betting preview and then start stash or pass. Now we will do both teams in each individual segment. So we're going to go through it a little bit quicker for the team breakdown.
We'll cut out some of the stuff there. I'll go a little bit more hyper speed through that and then we'll give you our opinions and just keep it rocking and rolling. So we'll cut out a few things here that don't necessarily have as much value and then we'll just have both the Raiders and charters together in each individual segment. So outside of that, we'll probably talk about it too.
But Keynh Drian news coming from the Raiders kind of breaking news yesterday. Their second string running back did have a little bit of issues yesterday. I am blanking on off the top of my head right now. Ken and Drake.
Yeah, I wanted to say Kalen Balaj. Ken and Drake, he had some issues that had to be taken off the field yesterday and not exactly sure what the injury is but that does not look good for the Raiders running back depth chart whatsoever. So we got plenty to talk about their partner. Any other breaking news stuff I missed anything I did not see before we get this show on the road.
I got nothing. Let's get rocking and rolling. All right, my friends. Let's get to it.
First things first as always. Can't leave this out. Hey, cheers to you. Oh, good.
Nice to see you. My finger in the way. Oh, yeah. That French vanilla being creme brulee is just tantalizing this morning.
If you like a combo with my whatever the hell I got from my own home. Little witches boo boo boo. All right. All right.
Well, without further ado, my friends, one more time. Just so we're all clear, not that you don't know how to read the title, but today's first team of the day, the Las Vegas Raiders will cover them first in each individual segment. Then we will get into the second team of the day in each individual segment, the LA Chargers. It's going to be absolutely loaded.
You're going to have to have a little extra coffee with you because we're going to be bouncing back and forth back and forth, but we'll have some clear division to it. Just make sure you got the coffee ready to rock and roll. You might need an extra couple pieces of paper and an extra ink pen because it's about to get hot and heavy. Further ado, first segment of the day NFL special edition number 17, the first double team special edition of two that we will do in general.
So let's get on into it. I cannot wait. First things first, first segment of the day, we're starting off with the full team breakdown for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now kicking things off, we are going to skip the main additions and losses here for the offensive side of the ball.
However, we will still tell you about the lineups and kind of give you our outlook overall. Now, before we do that, still we'll give you some key 2020 stats and kind of some opinions as if those will remain the same or if they'll change going into 2021. The Raiders average 5.9 yards per play last year. They rushed the ball 44.11% of the time and passed the ball 55.89% of the time.
Completion percentage mainly for Derek Carr, 66.97% across the board, converted on third down at a 45.96% clip and in the red zone converted at a 54.24 clip. So not the worst in some of those departments, you would definitely definitely love to see them tick up the third down production as well as the red zone production. I'll talk about that here just in a second, but before I do, let's give you the starting lineups are what is projected to be the week one starting lineups to the top of the depth chart here. Alex Leatherwood, the rookie looks like he is going to be getting the right side of this offensive line.
We'll stick with the offensive line here. Then you have good. That is Denzel good. I thought it was I knew it was Denzel or Daniel, but I wasn't thinking it under.
So Denzel good James is going to be at the center position that is Anthony James Andre James and then you have Richie and Cognito. Obviously, name everybody knows that left guard and then Miller at left tackle. That is Mr. Colton Miller actually known that one.
I don't know. It's a K that's fair. You got a K that's C O L T O N but either way, Colton Miller always loves to see a cold and fight in the good fight. Again, opposite sides sometimes blocks.
This guy most of the times pass and or catching passes and he's electric when he does it. We know Darren Waller the baller. He's coming back. I think he has a very solid opportunity to be the number one number two overall tight in and fantasy.
But we'll talk about that and start Stasher pass. Then you got the other guys that can catch the ball honestly in my mind going to be one of the rather worst units in the league. They got Henry Ruggs, no shade on him, but just haven't seen the production that we thought we would in his rookie year. Hunter Renfro definitely need to see some improvements from him in the slot as well and then Edwards the rookie as well from last year Brandon Edwards.
He definitely needs to see some improvement they brought in the old dog that is Brandon Edward Bryan and Bryan Edwards. They brought in the old dog who I was a huge fan of on Buffalo last year, kept him on my fantasy team John Brown. I had to battle some injuries last year so hopefully he can stay healthy. I think that will definitely help Derek Carr out a little bit here.
And then they got Zay Jones looking to be the fifth wide receiver on that depth chart. Then you have Josh Jacobs followed up by Kenyon Drake. But Toshi Kenyon Drake had a little bit of injury issues yesterday. So it's kind of up in the air.
There's not a huge amount of depth in that room right now. They still have Jalen Richard, but Jalen Richard is obviously nothing major to write home about. He's been solid behind Jacobs, but then again that might cause some issues for what Gruden had planned offensively here running back wise. And already said him, but Derek Carr coming back again and then Marcus Marioda looked like he was going to be out of town, but the silver and black decided to resign and bring him on back as their QB too.
So overall in my opinion, before I give you my outlook, kick it over to Max, give you some key thoughts of his. Let me give you the key rankings as well courtesy of the guys over at SFA, Sharp Football Analysis. Quarterback room comes in ranked as the 15th unit in the league. So I'm actually not too disappointed in that.
I think I was actually anticipating it to be a little bit worse, but Derek Carr as we'll talk about has actually been a little bit better than what she would anticipate. And he set career highs last year in a lot of different categories. Offensive line leaves a little bit to be desired because they let some big names walk. A 22nd ranked unit in the league right now.
And then the running back room, obviously worthy of this and could improve upon it, but how injured is Kenyand Drake? 12th unit in the league right now and then the receivers coming in ranked as the 23rd unit. I would even put him back further than that. I think they can improve upon that number, but I think that is a very fair ranking from what we saw from pretty much the same exact one last year.
Now as for my overall opinion, so I kick it to you partner, this offensive line is going to loom really large in my opinion as well. Not only in protecting Derek Carr and allowing him to at least put on target passes to these mediocre receivers, if you will, and I hate to say that about some of those names. That's going to be one thing. And then it's going to be running the ball.
Josh Jacobs saw a little bit of a down tick last year. I think that they're going to have to really improve offensively and on the offensive line for him to see an uptick this year. I love Jacobs. He's typically been one of my RB ones and I think we might have to temper expectations again this year, but we'll talk about that and start Stasher Pass.
Obviously across the board, you know how I feel about the offensive line, the quarterback, the wider receivers. The one shining light for me is I absolutely love the tight end and I don't know how you cannot love Sharon Waller. I think he has a monster monster season. I'll tell you even more about that once we get to start Stasher Pass for the Raiders.
But overall, what are you feeling here for 2021 for this old Pirates team? You know, very similar to what you said, I might even be a little bit meaner aside from Darren Waller. I love Darren Waller who can. He's going to be the same guy that we know and love.
But as you mentioned, this receiving core leaves a little bit to be desired here. I love at least the talent that Henry Ruggs brings. I think over the course of his career, he could be a very good receiver. I just don't love him as a number one wide receiver quite yet.
And that's kind of where I see some issues once again here. I think his numbers improve after last year. He, like you said, kind of, I believe he was right around 500 yards receiving, which obviously is not what you want to see. But that offensive line, man, it was already not the best offensive line last year.
And they lost some of their key pieces. And Derek Carr, as we've seen, he struggles when under pressure. And I really think he's going to be running for his life, if not more than he ever has in his career. So I agree with you on the fifth or I agree with the SFA on the 15th ranking there.
But I think he's going to be looking worse than that. And it could be the end for him this year in Vegas. And he might be on the move because I think he has, with the right situation, specifically a very good offensive line. I think he could look like a top 10 quarterback.
But I think he's going to look like a bottom third quarterback this year. And you know, without those receivers to rely on, I think it's going to be looking really tough. And I'll echo what you said about Josh Jacobs. I really like him too.
I think he's going to be a defensive line. He's not going to do him any favors. I think defenses are going to be stacked in the box like they did last year. And it's going to be a struggle for him once again.
And especially here with Kenny Drake, Mrs. Extended Time, it's going to be a struggle for this offense, in my opinion. So I don't have the highest hopes here. I don't have the highest hopes either.
So there you hear it from both of us offensively. We think the Raiders are going to sputter here in 2021. And it might be the end for Derek Carr and maybe potentially John Gruden. But we'll talk about the coaching staff here in just a second.
Let's flip the script on over the other side of all defensively for the Raiders quickly for their 2020 stats. They allowed opponents exactly six yards per play on average last year. But opponents to complete pass is 63.79%. Third downs, opponents converted at 48.78%.
And then in the red zone, I'd like to see this go down a little bit. The opponents converted at a 61.76% clip. So overall, I mean, not the worst numbers in the world, but not the best numbers in the world. Obviously, sticking with the defensive line here to start things off, kind of keep it on the same wavelength.
They went out and got Yannick and Gakway on the outside. He'll be one of their edge-ruchers. Going to need to see some more out of Cleveland Farrell. They obviously went and drafted him a few years back.
So now he's going to really need to produce. Now, Thomas coming in new on the interior and then also Hankins coming in. Well, actually, Thomas is just the only new guy in that Hankins coming back in here again for the Raiders. Overall, I'm not too terribly disappointed with the defensive line.
I think that the combination of Farrell and Gakway can definitely create some pressure, wreak some havoc on some opponent offenses. They do play a rather light schedule. We'll talk about that too here shortly as far as offensive opponents. So they could have some success behind them.
They have Chris Littleton and Nick Quittkowski rounding out the front seven. Those guys, in my opinion, I love Quittkowski on the Bears. He was one of my top guys. I hated to see him go.
Didn't see the worst production last year. Could see some improvements this year. I think we see it from both linebackers. And they do just fine.
The safeties leave a little bit to be desired in my department. Hey, word, Arnett, Mullen, and then in the deep back field, you got Abram. And then Morick is actually coming in. That's a rookie they picked up out of the second round.
Yeah, they got so overall, in my opinion, I think that this defense doesn't struggle from a pressure perspective. I think they struggle from more of a secondary perspective. They might not generate a huge amount of pressure. I don't think that you should be banking on them.
Just have an absolutely game-wracking defensive season. I think it's going to be pretty similar to those 2020 stats that I showed you. And it might be even a little bit worse just because of how low I am on this secondary. That's where my thoughts are at.
I can't add too much here. I think it's a very, very average defense. I like some of the additions that they made in Gagwe. Casey Hayward used to be a former packer, played in the same division here with the Chargers.
He's tailed off a little bit, but I still really like that addition for him. Overall, although, you know, Cleveland Verilizer, he needs to improve. If he can improve, Solomon Thomas coming back in off-free agency. If those guys can make an impact, then we might have a different story here.
But overall, you know, safeties, a little, like you said, not what you want to see. Morick as a rookie in the secondary, I think he could get picked on this year. So, you know, I think there'll be flashes where you, they might win you a couple of games. But overall, I think there's going to be a few more in that they might cost them honestly.
So I'm not, I don't hate it, but I don't love it by any means. I don't love it either. And the combination of the offense and defense here in Las Vegas this year is just not giving us a whole lot of confidence across the board. But the coaching staff really isn't giving us much confidence either.
John Gruden, I mentioned him just a little while ago, coming in now for his fourth full year. Just how lucky he is to be coming in for that fourth year is unbelievable. Not many Raiders coaches make it through the third year. This probably will be his last season.
If he doesn't have any type of wins, doesn't at least have a winning season at the bare minimum, I would say his seat is next to close to the hottest to Zack Taylor right now. Then you have offensive coordinator Greg Olson, not that Greg Olson. This is still the same one coming in for his fourth year as well as O.C. The Raiders and then a new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley coming in.
So maybe brought him in, can rejuvenate this defense, get some different looks going. Maybe they improve more than we have anticipated. But overall, not the worst coaching staff in the league by any means, but a coaching staff that has not had much success in his tenure. I, you know, I can't disagree with you that John Gruden's seat is very, very hot.
I think he might have some scapegoats built in here unless it's really, really bad. You know, you can put some blame if there are car struggles and honestly largely this, the general manager Mike Mayak honestly has a little bit hotter of a seat to me because you know, John Gruden has an excelled here. But you know, this roster has, it looks like it's getting worse and worse throughout John Gruden's tenure here. So the talent acquisition is just really what's, I kind of chalked this up to as far as John Gruden's seat being hot.
So I can't disagree with you, but I think you might have some scapegoats and you might, unless it's four wins or less, five wins or less. I think he sticks around for one more year and they might move some other pieces around. All right. So we're a little bit different.
A little bit. But I mean, I can't deny his seat is certainly hot. Yeah, absolutely. So maybe he's got some scapegoats, maybe he sticks around, maybe he doesn't.
Who knows? But that is the entire team breakdown and coaching staff analysis for the loss of Vegas players. We'll have still plenty more to talk about in the further sections and segments of the day. So don't, uh, don't dip out too quite yet if we didn't cover enough for you there into now the team breakdown for the Los Angeles Chargers.
See we made it nice and easy for you. We changed colors. So now you know who we're talking about. Once again, start things on the offensive side of the ball and some key 2020 stats.
Now for the Chargers, they averaged 5.4 yards per play last year. Offensively, uh, rush the ball 41.35% of the time and pass the ball 58.65% of the time. Uh, completion percentage, obviously was tied right up Taylor for a little while and then got his old lung punctured there and had to bring in Justin Herbert's and week two on an emergency, not taking any first team snaps whatsoever across the board. 65.87%.
So pretty solid there. Third down conversion, 44.20%. Uh, we'll talk, I'll talk about that here just a second. Uh, they put Herbert in a lot of tough spots last year, having to convert a lot of long third downs.
So I think that's why that is very low. And I think, uh, the offense this year tries to avoid those third downs at all costs. And in the red zone, they scored at a 57.14% clip. So not terrible.
We'd definitely love to see that improve as well. But I do think much like third down conversion, I think red, red zone conversion, uh, definitely improves here going into 2021. Now for the offensive side of the ball, it's going to look pretty dog on similar to what you saw or what we also on 2020. Uh, as far as the line goes, you got Brian Belaga on the right side.
Left side is Richie Slater. I do believe that is, uh, rich on, rich on slater. I apologize. And then if you could have, uh, that bad boy up, maybe have the names right there.
So I don't keep insulting these kind of fellers. Uh, in feller, the left guard. Yeah, either feeler or filer. Not a filer.
Yeah. Either way. And then Corey Lindsley, a new center coming in. Obviously I know that name.
He's a big name. He's always has been a big name in the NFL. So that's a big ad here for the Chargers and then Abucey that is. Oh, they Abucey.
Uh, he's coming in right guard. They're actually the 21st ranked unit as far as cap hit right now. So not too crazy for what some of those names you would anticipate them having to be paid to be sticking around. Now as far as the guy opposite of them who blocks sometimes mostly catches passes though, Jared Cook.
I'm actually pretty high on Jared Cook. I liked him in New Orleans. I don't have anything bad to say about him. I'll definitely have some stuff to talk about with him as far as fantasy value goes because I really liked Jared Cook on this offense.
And if you just so kindly remember over the course of probably the last decade for crying out loud over Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry and whoever else you want to pump in there, Los Angeles or San Diego. Yeah. Uh, Titans have been absolutely electric. They've been great from all perspectives.
So I think Jared Cook slots in real well here. Obviously the big dog coming back, Keenan Allen, he's got to stay healthy. Please Keenan play all 17 games this year. We need you.
We need you. We need you. We need you. Mike Williams already dealing with hamstring injuries, but he should be good to go by the time the season starts per Brandon Staley and then Johnson on the far outside.
Tyrone Johnson. Also because I liked this guy last year, fourth on the depth start right now, Jalen Gatton showed some serious flashes from time to time when they needed him when Keenan Allen went out and then even when Mike Williams went out too. So huge potential upside there for Gatton and then Jordan Palmer. I do believe that is.
Josh Wapalmer. I don't know much about him. He is a rookie coming in out of Tennessee. So probably had a little bit of production here in Tennessee and I do believe I read a little bit something on him a while back ago that he actually did rip the top off the defense in Tennessee.
So definitely a good addition there. Maybe that guy can work in and take some of the workload off of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and then guys healthy deep into the season. One of my favorite running backs in the league, but we got to see him produce this year. Austin Echler RB1 once again.
I think he has an absolutely monstrous season with how they retool this offensive line. And then behind him, you have Josh Jackson. Is that Justin Jackson? Justin Jackson.
Justin Jackson. Not terrible. I'm going to talk about that and start your pass. He definitely will have some upside here this year with definitely I think the upside the offensive line has.
And last but certainly not least, one of my favorite quarterbacks in the league right now came out of nowhere. Justin Herbert, man. How can you not love the kid love the story? I think he has another ridiculous season.
I think we'll see a little bit of aggression for sure. What he did in some key areas, key stats wise, which is absolutely outlandish. So we're going to see a little regression, but I think we still see an absolutely electric season from Herbert. So that's my thoughts on the offense partner.
What do you think of the Chargers in 2021? I know your eyes. I am very high on this team, especially the soft fence, man. I actually think we could see some positive regression from Justin Herbert because of the way that they retooled this offensive line.
Now, Justin Herbert was pretty solid with some pressure in his face last year, a little bit more than to expect from a rookie quarterback. So now giving him a fresh offensive line that is bonafide, very good. Corey Lindsley, I'm going to miss the hell out of him in Green Bay. Rashaun Slater should be very, very solid, despite being a rookie.
That was the first round pick. So he's going to make a nice impact. And as you mentioned, Mr. Jared Cook, he's not in that cream in the crop top four or top three or top four tight ends with those other guys, but he is very, very good.
He helps every single team that he is on. I guess age might be a little bit of a concern, but he seems to stand the test of time. And he's going to help this team one way or another. The one concern that I do have is, and you kind of mentioned it, the wide receiver depth, if anything happens to Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, I'm not saying it's going to be bad, but I am a little bit concerned because Keenan Allen is a bonafide dog.
Mike Williams is on his way to being a really solid wide receiver. And these other guys are just a little unproven. You did mention Jalen Geithman. I like him also.
I'm just a little concerned if he's got a shoulder all of that load. If anything happens to these top two guys, and I can't say enough about how much I like Austin Echler. He's fully healthy. He is an absolute monster in both the passing game and the running game.
So I think we're going to see some really solid improvements from this offense. And they might actually be able to finish off some of these games that we have seen them in. I do as well. And speaking of those improvements, I think we see those a lot too because Anthony Lynn is out of town.
The curse of Anthony Lynn is gone. So I don't think we're going to see a lot of that. We'll talk about the coaching staff here in just a second. As for key rankings to close up the offensive side of the ball for the Chargers here, per the guys at SFA, ninth ranked quarterback unit in the league.
Definitely can see improvement upon that. No doubt in my mind. Fifteenth ranked offensive line. I think that is perfect.
Just a little bit better in the middle of the pack. They might even crack top 12, top 13, 13th running back unit in the league. Now this is going to really hinge heavily on what Austin Echler does this year. He's going to have to improve in a couple of key areas to avoid any regression.
However, I think thirteenth is perfect and they can definitely crack the top ten or top eight in my mind. And then much like you, a little bit of question marks about some of those receivers who don't really have that proven ability yet. Eighteenth ranked unit in the league. Obviously, it's like, well, how can you give them that unit with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams?
Well, it makes sense just because of all the question marks and all the depth charts. So that's the key rankings. That's everything there for the offensive side of the ball. Now flipping the script quick, defensive side of the ball, just so you know who's all going, who's all coming back and in week one here for the Chargers.
You have on the defensive line. Joey Bosa coming back on the left side, definitely one of the most right side. I don't really know how you look at that right and left in either way. He's a defensive in either way.
Game record, you know the name Joey Bosa. Not much you really need to say about him. Then they have Tilri coming in coming back in, I should say, very dominant interior player. Lance Joseph coming in as coming back in as well.
He is Limbal Joseph. He is getting up there in age just a little bit. So I'm going to definitely have to see some production from him. And then Nwosu, that is you.
No, I don't know. You Chenia, you Chenia Nwoso. You Chenia Nwoso. So overall, not obviously if we got it looked that hard for some of the names, it might be a little bit of question marks around that.
Obviously Joey Bosa should have a big year. But overall, I don't know necessarily that they generate as much pressure as they're really anticipating here. But we'll see. Joey's still out on that.
They have Tranquil and Murray rounding out the front seven as they're lying back in unit. And then I'm honestly a little bit higher on this secondary than I was on the Raiders secondary. I think that they are going to have some success bringing in a Sante Samuel Jr. Love that pickup for one of the quarterbacks here.
Chris Harris, I do believe that is. He is also going to still be the slot corner, getting up there a little bit in age as well. And then Davis also coming in opposite side of those two guys to round out the front secondary. And then the deep back field, Adderley and James, Derwin James, is that?
Yeah, Derwin James, you obviously know the name. He has had some pretty successful years in the league. Obviously, we could see some improvement all across the board from this defense. I think we see it this year.
I'm not incredibly high on them, but I think they're going to surprise a lot of people. And I think they might even surprise me too, just because I'm not too high on them. But I think they will surprise me. What do you think of partner as far as the defense?
Yeah, for me, it really comes down to the health of these key players. Derwin James, 2018, I believe it was his rookie year, played all 16 games. Played only five games in 2019 and didn't play at all if I'm correct last year. So if he stays healthy, man, he is a huge ex-factor to lift this defense up.
Same thing with Joey Bosa. I think he'd still play a lot of games last year, but wasn't fully healthy the entire season. Because if he's 100% healthy, man, he is one of the better defenders in the entire league. And then really Chris Harris, I still like him there.
There's a few holes that they lost. They lost Melvin Ingram. So you don't like to see that. But overall, I think this defense is going to do just enough to keep this offense right in games.
And there's going to be a few that they probably will win. Joey Bosa's going to have a few games if he's fully healthy, where he absolutely just destroys the opposing offensive line. And like I said, I think they're just going to do enough to stay in games. They're not going to be a Super Bowl-level defense in my opinion.
But they could be enough to hold this team and excel that offense to be a, I don't know about Super Bowl-level offense, but I'm pretty high on this team. So I think they got enough here. I think they got enough too. And we could definitely see a playoff run from them.
Wouldn't a cap on the defense, 26th ranked front seven in the NFL right now for the guys at SFA? So not very high on them, even with some of the names in there. And the 19th ranked unit as far as the secondary goes in the NFL. So definitely think that they can improve upon those numbers.
But much like me and you, they're not as high on the old Chargers defense. But I think that they can improve upon them most assuredly. Now, last but certainly not least, coaching staff. We've talked about a few teams that have entirely new coaching staff.
Head coach OCDC, everything the Chargers once again are one of those teams. But I think this is exactly what they needed. They're bringing in Brandon Staley coming on over from the Rams. Obviously he's more of a defensive minded coach.
So that will obviously improve this defense. Then to help him out, Ronaldo Hill is going to be the defensive coordinator. I apologize. I said cornerback because he was the Denver defensive backs.
So, last year he is coming in now for the Chargers. And then offensive coordinator, Joel Embardi has had success working with young quarterbacks and has also had some electrifying success with running backs, most notably with Alvin Camara. So maybe we see Alvin Camara type numbers from Austin Echler in this Joel Embardi offense. I really wanted to mention that because I think this coaching staff is exactly what this Chargers team needed.
They're lacking on defense. Ronaldo Hill has proven himself. We've seen what the Broncos say he's have done. And it's a shame that he had to get shipped out of town with the talent that they have now in Denver.
He's got plenty of talent here. And I think that the Hill have some success. I also think that Joel Embardi is going to have plenty of success with this team and improve that running game. Another glaring hole that could potentially see regression, but I don't think it does now.
And then Brandon Staley ties up any holes that there could potentially be and helps this defense even more. I don't think it's going to be any last two minute drill horseshit that we saw in the last few years. I don't think you're going to have to worry about your bets pushing out losing money because a nonsense. I think the Chargers are going to be a very fun team to watch and are going to be winning us lots of money this season.
I think so too. And Brandon Staley, I mean, he kind of reminds me of the defensive equivalent to like the offensive wave of young coaches that we've seen. He's got an innovative defensive style. He's like the Mat LeFloor, Sean McVey, Kyle Shanahan equivalent to the defensive side of the ball.
So I think it's a perfect fit here. And as you mentioned, Joel Embardi in the same vein, I wouldn't be shocked if he's a head coach within four or five years, even maybe even less. Maybe even less for sure. So you know our opinions now on the LA Chargers full team.
Offense defense were incredibly high on him, definitely higher on the offense, but think that the defense can improve. And we think that this coaching staff is exactly the last little sprinkling of seasoning, if you will, on the recipe that is now the Chargers team. I think the Chargers have one hell of a season. We're able to pick off the Anthony Lynn seasoning out of all of these pieces that are still here.
Got the Anthony Lynn anchovies on there. You know, Anthony Lynn anchovies. All right. Never know what you're going to get on the TTL pod.
All right. So as we were kind of going through that, had something in my mind a little bit here. So let's get into the second segment of the day. And I'll tell you what I'm thinking.
So schedule breakdown, first things first, you obviously know that's the second segment, but it's going to be the Raiders. Now, instead of kicking it off, how I typically do going week by week, yada, yada, yada, waist in time in essence of time, what we'll do is we'll just give you our predictions. We'll talk about their division games, their main eight non-division games, and then the three outside of that will give you our predictions. And then we'll just do the exact same for the Chargers.
Okay. Rip through that. But don't worry. We'll still have opportunity to go through the schedule because I'll rock it all out in the betting preview when I give you the weekly lines and I'll tell you if they're home away.
I'll knock it all out right there and we might even change that on the regular show. That seems not a bad idea. Not a bad idea. So with that being said, let's get back into the Raiders real quick.
We got to get back on our silver and black. Take off the gold and white and light blue for just a little bit. Get back to the silver and black. Now, for the 2021 season, it's not looking all too damn hard to tell you the truth.
It's not. I have some potential here, but I also think they have potential to be complete boneheads and fuck everything up rarely. They could very, very, very easily split with the Broncos depending on what shows. Now, I don't know how much you can read into the Broncos pre-season week one.
Sure. We're going to have to see a lot more, but if that's consistently the quarterback play and the defense play that we're going to see, then I don't really have too much concern in my mind about Drew Locke to tell you the truth. But if he does struggle, boss, and then there's definitely worth a split. So I'd say one in one there.
I don't think they're going to get, man, actually they had some close games with the Chiefs last year. So it's kind of a toss up in my mind. They might be able to split that off. They do play them pretty similarly within a five week stretch.
You know, I don't, did you give them a split yesterday as we were talking about the Chiefs? Because I sure did. The Raiders against the Chiefs of Split. Yeah, I think I did too.
So yeah, that was actually one of my splits. It was either the Broncos. Okay, so then you go to the Chargers and I think the Chargers are the only one that gets both from them, surprisingly, as crazy as it is. Because I think week 18, I'll tell you this in a minute, but they face the Chargers in or at home.
So, Allegiant Stadium. So I think that game is going to mean a lot for the AFC West standings as far as the Chargers go. So I think they're going to need to win that game and win week four. The Chargers?
Yeah. So the Chargers, they go to and then I think because of some nonsense, they split with the Chiefs and they split with the Broncos because of just some goofiness. The Broncos is just too tight of a matchup for me. So I give them two, three, four, and two in the AFC West this year.
Yeah, we are right in line. It seems crazy after diving through this to say a split with the Chiefs, but just look back at last year. They just played them so damn well in offense. And I think they get one of these two games.
What do we talk about with the Chiefs? They're going to be solid. They're going to have a great year, but it's probably going to be those shootouts. Right, right, right.
And you know, I'm going with the split on the Broncos as well. Raiders actually took both games from them last year. The first of the two, the Raiders absolutely shut them down. 37-12.
Do think the Broncos have major improvements, but I will give them a split there. And then once again, like you, I could not have said any better for the Chargers. I believe they actually split last year, but it was two very close games. Get Anthony Leno in the Chargers win both of those games.
And I'll say it once again for this year. So four and two on my side as well, partner. All right. So we line up in the West.
First four opponents, their main eight non-divisional games are coming out of the AFC North. So a little bit tougher there. I think they're going to lose against the Ravens. No question in my mind.
I do also think they lose against the Brownies. The Steelers is going to be a little bit more of a toss-up for me. The Steelers could flub that up, but I do think the Steelers defense is just going to be a little bit too much early on in the season in week two. So I will give the Steelers that one.
And then the Bengals is going to be kind of a toss-up for me, but I'll give the Raiders that win just because it is the easiest game on their schedule. So give me one and three out of the AFC North. I'm going worse, man. I'm going 0-4.
I am going to give it to the Bengals. Raiders got to, it looks like the Bengals will be coming off of their buy in that one. The Raiders are going to be coming off of a Sunday night game against the Chiefs. Winter lose, that is going to be an absolute battle.
Or they'll just get absolutely embarrassed and have no confidence whatsoever. So I'm going to be picking the Bengals in that one. And then week one, first two weeks they start Ravens, Steelers. I don't like that matchup at all for the Raiders against the Ravens.
And then I think the Steelers defense absolutely embarrasses this Raiders offense. And then I will see them in the Browns in week 15. That'll be an important one for the Browns. So I'm going to Chris O and four out of the AFC North.
Okay. So I'm going to give the Raiders a little bit of a chance to win the game. I believe the Cowboys win that game. I believe the Raiders win both the games against the Giants and the Eagles.
I just don't think either of those teams are going to do enough offensively. And then I think they lose the game against the football team. Football team is a bad defensive matchup for them and a lot of teams in the NFL this year. So give me two and two in the NFC East matchup for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Yeah, I won't waste too much time. I am going two and two as well. You know, they got a little bit of a rest of advantage against the Eagles. So that one I'm honestly a little on the fence for.
And then I think they beat the Giants in week nine that's coming off of their Raiders buy. So I'll stick with two and two. I guess one way or another. I think that caveat in there, maybe they can go in a shoot.
I think that Cowboys game should actually be a pretty solid game, just the matchup base. But I will go two and two one way or another. All right. So same page again there.
Now three remaining games outside of the eight non-divisional games play the Dolphins, the Colts and the Bears. Bear down. I think the Dolphins get that victory. I really truly believe the Dolphins get that victory.
That is a pick them in Las Vegas week three. I truly believe that it is going to be a rough start to the year for the Raiders. And I think they get that victory. The Colts, I think the Colts win that game as well.
That's another one of their harder games not only to cover, but on the schedule in general. And then I, you know, I've kicked this around a lot. And I don't think this is maybe a homer because I think week five is when Justin Fields comes in. If he's not already in and I think he absolutely lights the fuck up out of this Raiders defense.
So give me 0 and 3 in the remaining three. Wow. I am right there with you, my man. I don't think you're a homer on top of what you just said there.
Maybe it'll be the first week for field. Maybe not. But one way or another. I agree with you there.
I also think this defense for the Bears is a terrible matchup for the Raiders. So I am giving it to the Bears there. Echoing what you said on the Dolphins. Man, that's going to be like an 0 and 6 start for the Raiders.
But I don't think that's too crazy. Not going with the Dolphins. That's week three. But regardless, I am going to loss against the Dolphins.
Week 17, you know, the schedule makers obviously would have been trying to predict the future. But if the Colts were, you know, in that first five weeks without the, you know, with the possibility of once being gone, I would give the Raiders that win. But in week 17, I think the Colts are going to be figured out. They're going to be playing better.
Might be a huge game for the Colts. So I'm going 0 and the Re my friend. I wonder why I'm laughing over here. I think we need to change careers and just start being Lions makers.
Yeah, seriously. Because we'll talk about the season when total here in the betting preview shortly. Curly said it's seven wins. Sure.
If you're with me, you think they go one in three in the AFC North. They get to win over the Bengals seven and ten. They don't get that win over the Bengals six and ten. But one thing you got to our six and eleven, I apologize.
But one thing you got to remember is that at the same exact time. We gave him winning against the Chiefs. You're about to say. Yeah, we were leaning to a couple of splits in the West.
Give him a winning against the Chiefs and a loss against the Bengals. So there's a few kind of key things you to think about there. And Man, oh man, we are spot on on that seven wins. But I think they go under because we were a little bit more lenient to a few of those games.
But we'll talk about that in the full betting preview. That's our predictions for the Las Vegas Raiders either seven and ten or six and eleven for John Gruden's boys this season. That does not seem like the winning year to me. It seems like John Gruden might be on out of town.
But that does it for the Raiders quickly. The full schedule for now. The Los Angeles Chargers. Switch the colors on you again.
So keep it up. Keep pace. Keep it moving. Keep it grooving.
Same exact thing. The Chargers obviously play the exact same AFC West. Wouldn't you know we decided to do these two teams on the same exact day because they're in the same exact division and everything just lined up so perfectly. And they're actually alphabetical too.
How about them? Well in the AFC West I believe that they can get both games against those Broncos. They're not too late in the season. And Mile High week twelve going to be a little bit of a question mark with what the weather is there.
But I think they can scratch that one out. And then you go back to LA for week seventeen. Like I said, that's going to mean a lot. They play the Broncos and the Raiders close out the season.
I think getting those two wins are going to be important. So I got two and O against the Broncos. I got them splitting with the Chiefs. One way or the other.
I think they're going to get one of those games today. Just simply have to. And then I got them getting both over the Raiders. I already told you guys I don't see the Raiders getting any wins there.
So two, three, four, five and one. We're on the fence. I'm four and five. I think I mentioned yesterday.
I'm giving them a split against the Chiefs. I mentioned it a few minutes ago. I'm giving them a sweep of the Raiders. So that is three and one.
And I'm on the fence with a split with the Broncos. They played two very, very good games last year. And now if what we're saying is true as far as their game management, they should be in position. When those two games, Broncos are a little bit improved.
And the Broncos are going to be coming off there by in week twelve. And it's in Denver. So I'm going to have to go with a split there. So I'll say four and two.
All right. So we got those down. Now the same exact eight non-divisional opponents, AFC North, NFC East. AFC North, I will say the Chargers go three and one.
One of the losses is going to come at the hands of Baltimore or the Brownies. I don't know which one. They're back to back week five and week six. So I'll say three and one.
I think they coast to victory over the Bengals, coast to victory over the Steelers. And it's going to be a toss up. I think both games are shoot outs and one, both of them are going to end as a coin flip there. So I'm going to go to the game.
I'm going to go to the game. I'm going to go to the game. I'm going to go to the game. I'm going to go to the game.
I'm going to go to the game. I'm going to go to go to the game. I'm going to go to their game. Um, yeah, I'm going to go between the Browns and the Ravens.
Yeah. One of the other. They're going to lose there. Saugum three and one in the AFC North.
Uh, yeah. I'll kind of echo what you said there. I think that the Steelers could be a solid one because I really like the Steelers defense. But I think the Chargers often says enough to edge them out on Sunday night.
Football in LA. So I'll say three and one. I lean towards the win over the Ravens and a loss against the Browns, but I can go either way on those. So I will say split between those.
And like you said, I'll pick them up and I just win against the Bengals as well. So three and one from me out of that crew. And four, NFC each. I'll take them off.
and the football team are really what I think would hinge the only two. I think they steamrolled through the Giants and the Eagles, no question in my mind. Dallas is an early season game that is at home, that is in LA. So, potentially I see him getting that one and in the game against the football team, it's actually week one.
So that one is also played in LA. No, that's not what it is on the road. So, damn, I don't wanna say that the Chargers open up their season with a loss, but, ah shit. Either, yeah, either the boys or the football team, week one, week two, I think one of those are gonna be a loss and I would lean to the football team and everybody lose their mind.
Oh my gosh, just Justin Herbert, not as good as he was. Is the Chargers dead? They get in, Anthony, Linna Elbrane and State. I see everybody now, the media losing their fucking minds and then they rifle off 11 wins from there.
And then I'm gonna be like, hey, wait a second, this football team, the football team might be pretty damn solid. So, you're going three and one? I'm going three and one. I will stick right with you there.
I'll say it's split between those first two, one way or another. Kind of like what you said, because, you know, that Washington defense is so damn solid, I think the Chargers have enough offense to edge them out, but it is on the other side of the country. So, I don't know, I will say it's split, because I mean that week two game is going to be a shoot out, one way or another, as long as the act is healthy. And you know anything that happened there.
So, I will say a clean split, not a clean split, obviously, but a split and then yeah, I'm not gonna spend much time. They're gonna smoke both the Eagles and the Giants. I'm honestly wondering too, if that week one game against the football team will be, obviously, we're Central Time, if you're not at Central Time watching us, if it'll be one of those three 25s, it'll be a noon game. I can check it and see while I kind of wrap this up.
But if it's a noon game, then that football team all day long. But if it's three 25, then I guess that's a good question. Even when they travel across the country, I still know it's a noon game. Football team now, that's a mints me in a three in one for sure.