The NFL season starts for real in a little over a week and many of the questions on HC Lane Kiffin's mind have been answered. The Raiders currently have a 1-2 record and after last weeks disappointing 24-0 shutout at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals blind optimism has been tempered. Kiffin said the passing game would be showcased but there wasn't much to showcase. This team will have a miserable passing game from a fantasy perspective. Avoid any and all offensive skill positions on this team who do not play running back. This team will have no choice but to run the ball early and often.

A weak effort from our passing game was not the only low-light from this contest. The Raiders lost WR Drew Carter(knee), and FB Oren O'neal(knee) for the entire season and suddenly both positions have become very slim. Fortunately, there were some positives to be taken away from this game. WR Javon Walker looked sharp catching 4 balls for 60 yards and TE Zach Miller was his usual steady self. CB Stanford Routt snared another pick as did S Micheal Huff and both seemed primed for big seasons. C Jake Grove again looked strong and was officially the starter by HC Lane Kiffin. LT Kwame Harris looked comfortable and back up RT Mario Henderson has also improved showing signs of life after being called out by Kiffin earlier in preseason.

Personnel moves. The Raiders signed RB Luke Lawton, DB Marviel Underwood, DB Nate Lyles, and LB Shane Simmons while releasing K Aaron Elling, QB Jeff Otis, WR Drisan James, and LB Ed Hartwell. As I summited before, Hartwell didn't win the starting gig at middle linebacker therefore was deemed expendable. Placed on IR were DB John Bowie, FB Oren O'neal, and WR Drew Carter meaning that they are lost for the year. It would not be surprising if the Raiders waited until the finals cuts are made before they decide to bring in some new personnel.

Here's the Raiders projected starting line-up for 2008.

QB JaMarcus Russell.

RB Justin Fargas/Darren McFadden.

FB Justin Griffith.

TE Zach Miller.

WR Javon Walker.

LT Kwame Harris.

LG Robert Gallery.

C Jake Grove.

RG Cooper Carlisle.

RT Cornel Green.

WR Ronald Curry.

K Sebastian Janikowski.

P Shane Lechler.

LCB Namdi Asomugha.

LDE Derrick Burgess.

LDT Gerrard Warren.

RDT Tommy Kelly.

RDE Jay Richardson.

LOLB Thomas Howard.

MLB Kirk Morrison.

ROLB Ricky Brown.

SS Gibril Wilson.

FS Michael Huff.

RCB DeAngelo Hall.

KR Johnnie Lee Higgins/Tyvon Branch/Darren McFadden.

PR Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Now that you've seen the starters, let's talk about who should be considered for YOUR starting line-up. FANTASY PLAYABLES!

RB Justin Fargas/Darren McFadden. Both have the potential to be solid #3 options.

TE Zach Miller. Unfortunately, Miller wont get too many looks and should only be considered as a free agent.

K Sebastian Janikowski. Janikowski will be lucky to crack the top 15 unless the defense shows major improvement.

DE Derrick Burgess. Burgess is in his contract year and healthy. Consider him a shoe-in as a top 20 defensive lineman.

DT Tommy Kelly. If Healthy, Kelly should rack up some decent tackles this year.

LB Thomas Howard. Howard doesn't rack up huge tackle #'s but don't let that fool you. He had 6 int's, as well as the occasional sack and a touchdown.

LB Kirk Morrison is a top 20 IDP and racks up points in all categories.

SS Gibril Wilson. After leading all defensive backs in tackles for the past 3 years some may worry about the uniform change. DON'T! Gibril will continue to put up monster tackles numbers playing behind a soft defensive front.

FS Michael Huff. Huff has looked awesome this preseason and should have a break out year.

CB DeAngelo Hall. As Hall has stated himself, opposing quarter backs will have to 'choose their poison' when deciding who to throw against this year. Hall will be that poison this year and his owners will likely reap the benefits this year in IDP leagues.

That's all for now until I preview week #1. Until then, Good Luck this year and.........GO RAIDERS!!!