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          NFL Nation

          Is Raiders' No. 32 ranking warranted?

          • Bill Williamson, ESPN Staff WriterSep 2, 2014, 01:30 PM ET
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            • Covered AFC West for five seasons for ESPN.com
            • Covered Broncos for Denver Post
            • Also covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks

          Well, ESPN.com’s first in-season Power Rankings are out, and the reviews are not good for the Oakland Raiders.

          The Power Rankings results have the Raiders ranked No 32. Yes, I vote. No, I didn’t place the Raiders 32nd. I think that ranking is a bit low. I have a difficult time thinking there aren't four or five teams in worse shape than the Raiders as we start this season.

          I think the Raiders have better depth on both sides of the ball and better overall talent. I can see Oakland getting better as the season continues, especially if rookie quarterback Derek Carr excels early. We will follow the rankings throughout the season, but I’d be surprised if the Raiders stay at the bottom of the rankings for the long haul.