While I was away, basking at Jamaica by the Bay (Reggae on the River), this past weekend I was alone with my thoughts. No computer. No cell phone. No intrusions. Just, Irie flow and many smiling faces. In the midst of this journey, I started thinking about the heart and Soul of the Oakland Raiders and I thought to myself, "Self, there is NO reason why this team cannot win the AFC West and make a drive into the Playoffs".

For the first time, in a LONG time, I am looking forward to the actual Oakland Raider Season for the games, not just the experience.

Don't get me wrong, I have been a Kool-Aid drinker each and every year. And that Kool-Aid flavor went from Cherry to Pizzurp to vomit pretty quickly last season.

But, get the cliche-o-meter ready, I think that this year is different.

There are only 4 games on the schedule that we should lose, Pitt, Indy, Hou, Miami. In reality, those are ALL winnable games, just games that I don't feel great about.

Am I drinking the Kool-Aid again? Is 11-5 a realistic goal or a pipe dream?