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The Oakland Raiders enter the 2016 NFL season with a lot of intrigue, as they look to build off of a 7-9 2015 finish with a roster loaded with young talent. Raider Nation is one of the most passionate fan bases and will be happy to see a contender emerge in the “Black Hole” at the Oakland Coliseum. Quarterback Derek Carr continues to improve, and should take more steps forward in 2016. Carr’s job is made easier by standout second-year wide receiver Amari Cooper, who went straight from Alabama to the Pro Bowl in his rookie debut. Look for these two to connect early and often for Oakland, with veteran receiver Michael Crabtree a formidable second option. Pro Bowler Latavius Murray was one of the most productive running backs last year, and he looks to bring even more alongside Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece. The Raiders offense could explode in 2016 behind all of this young talent. The Raiders have one of the league’s best pass-rushing attacks behind All-Pro Kahlil Mack and Mario Edwards Jr. Longtime Raiders and Green Bay Packers star Charles Woodson’s retirement will be a major loss in the secondary, leaving rookie first round pick Karl Joseph with big shoes to fill at safety. Joseph will have help from veteran safety Reggie Nelson, who leads a mostly unproven group. Defensive tackle Jihad Ward is another rookie expected to start on defense. The supremely athletic former Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin is looking to bring the “bully” mentality back to Oakland’s defense. The AFC West will be a crowded division with the returning Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos and a tough Kansas City Chiefs team, but if the Raiders defense comes together and the offense continues to improve, there is no reason this team can’t compete for a playoff appearance. One thing that is constant, The Black Hole will be raucous.

The Cleveland Browns hit a new low in 2015, finishing the season tied with the Tennessee Titans for the worst record in the NFL at 3-13. After firing their general manager and head coach and bringing in Hue Jackson (fifth head coach since 2010), the team is in full-on rebuilding mode. Browns fans should be intrigued by Jackson’s first major decision, naming former star Robert Griffin III the 2016 starting quarterback. RG3 had success for the Washington Redskins, before the team decided to go forward with Kirk Cousins. The Browns are excited about first round pick Corey Coleman at wide receiver, and the reinstatement of star wide receiver Josh Gordon. Coleman signed mini helmets, photos, and footballs are rising in popularity among online shoppers. Behind offensive tackle Joe Thomas, the Browns look to move the ball with RG3 and running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. Cleveland’s defense is shaky, but not due to the secondary, which features cornerbacks Joe Haden and Justin Gilbert. The Browns finally gave up on troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel, releasing him after his off-the-field issues cost him a starting opportunity with the team. The Browns find themselves again looking up at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens in a tough AFC North division. The Browns should improve from 3-13 in the 2016 season, but don’t expect much more than a few win improvement.