The Athletic Names Raiders Among Top NFL Offseason Winners For 2025

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 26, 2025

4.5

Share

The Athletic Names Raiders Among Top NFL Offseason Winners for 2025: A Bold Prediction?

The Las Vegas Raiders. A team known for its passionate fanbase and, in recent years, a roller coaster of a season. But according to a recent article by The Athletic, the Silver and Black are poised for a significant resurgence, naming them among the top NFL offseason winners for the 2025 season. This bold prediction raises eyebrows, prompting us to delve deeper into the reasoning behind this assessment.

While the 2024 season remains uncertain, The Athletic's projection focuses on the long-term strategic moves made by the Raiders' front office. This isn't a prediction based on immediate gratification, but rather a calculated view of their sustained efforts to build a winning roster.

Key Factors Contributing to The Athletic's Prediction:

The Athletic highlights several key elements contributing to their optimistic outlook for the Raiders in 2025:

• Draft Capital and Strategic Acquisitions: The Raiders have cleverly accumulated significant draft capital in recent years. This allows them to target specific positions of need and potentially acquire high-impact players through trades. Smart drafting, coupled with shrewd free agency moves, can drastically alter a team's trajectory. The team's focus on building a strong foundation through the draft suggests a long-term vision, paying dividends down the line.

• Jimmy Garoppolo's Impact (and Beyond): While the 2024 season will be crucial in evaluating Jimmy Garoppolo's performance, The Athletic likely sees his experience and leadership as a stepping stone. The Raiders might be looking beyond 2024, strategically positioning themselves for a potential quarterback upgrade in the following draft or via free agency, building a team capable of thriving regardless of the quarterback situation.

• Coaching Stability and Development: The continuity within the coaching staff is a critical factor. A stable environment allows for better player development and implementation of a consistent game plan. This long-term perspective on coaching development fosters a team culture that can sustain success over several seasons.

• Addressing Key Positional Needs: The Raiders have demonstrated a commitment to addressing weaknesses within the roster. By strategically targeting specific positions through the draft and free agency, they are systematically building a more balanced and competitive team. This proactive approach to roster construction is crucial for long-term success.

Is This Prediction Too Bold? A Counterpoint.

While The Athletic's assessment is intriguing, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainties in NFL predictions. Injuries, unexpected player performance, and even coaching changes can significantly impact a team's trajectory. The 2024 season will be a critical test for the Raiders, determining whether their current plans translate into tangible results.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in 2024 and Beyond

The 2024 season will serve as a critical barometer for the Raiders' long-term prospects. Fans should keep a close eye on:

• Garoppolo's performance: His success or struggles will heavily influence the team's immediate success and future planning.
• The development of young players: How quickly young players drafted in recent years progress will be a major factor in the team's overall improvement.
• The team's overall chemistry and cohesion: Building a strong team culture is essential for long-term success.

The Athletic's prediction is certainly ambitious, but it reflects the potential upside the Raiders possess. The coming season will be crucial in determining if their strategic moves pave the way for a triumphant 2025 campaign. Only time will tell if this bold prediction holds true. But one thing is certain: the Raiders are making moves, and the future looks interesting.