Chicago Bears: 10 bold predictions following Khalil Mack trade

Raiders win four games or less

Last season, the Raiders brought in a rejuvenated Marshawn Lynch. They were expecting big things from a guy who finally got to play for the silver and black. Oakland was looking at a strong receiving core led by Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, and also featured an underrated pass-catching tight end in Jared Cook.

Quarterback Derek Carr had flashed in recent years, even being a near-MVP candidate the year before, prior to his major injury.

The Raiders possessed a top-5 offensive line — and still do, in my opinion.

The defense, meanwhile, had ranked in the bottom 10 for three years running.

News flash: That isn’t going to get better anytime soon. Without Mack, the Raiders lose not only their best defensive player, but their best player overall. The pass rush is going to take an enormous step back.

On the other side of the ball, still, the Raiders have problems. They still have Lynch, who is now a year older and not likely going to be an All-Pro. Oakland brought in an aging Jordy Nelson, who is coming off his second major injury in his career. Nelson won’t be the guy he was with Aaron Rodgers, I can guarantee you that. Maybe he’s a red zone threat, but nothing more.

Will Cooper finally break out? I hope so, and I really do think he does. Cooper could be the only bright spot on this offense, outside of maybe Carr returning to form. I don’t see Lynch, or backup Doug Martin, impacting games in big ways. They are both past their prime and are better off as complimentary pieces.

A bottom-third defense gets even worse. A mediocre offense gets older. The Raiders win a maximum of four games in 2018.