Predicting Bay Area NFL TV schedules for 2012, Part 2: Raiders

In previous columns, we reviewed how our two local NFL teams were treated by schedulers, and then predicted the 49ers possible TV schedule for next year. Now let?s take a look at our other local squad.

The Raiders finished exactly where they did last season: 8-8 and not in the playoffs. Therefore not much is likely to change.

They?ll have six divisional matchups against the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs. One of them will probably be the second half of ESPN?s Monday night opener. Four others could be Sunday 1:15 p.m. or 1:05 p.m. starts. One of them may get the Thursday night treatment. The game in KC will most likely be scheduled for 10 a.m.

The Raiders will have four matchups with the AFC North, two at home and two on the road.? Game against the Ravens and Steelers could also be ESPN or NFL Network selections, or be worthy of a 1:15 p.m. start. The Bengals are iffy, that one could be at 1:15 p.m. but possibly 1:05, or 10 a.m. if in Cincinnati. The Browns are definitely a 1:05 p.m. opponent in Oakland, 10 a.m. in Cleveland.

They?ll also have one contest against an AFC East squad and one against a team from the South. If scheduling permits, figure the East matchup is against the Jets, and the South opponent: the Titans. Both scream 1:05 p.m. but the Jets matchup could be a 1:15er.

The Raiders will also match up against all four teams from the NFC South. Only the Saints look for sure like a primary national opponent, though the Falcons might be as well. Bucs? Panthers? 10 a.m./1:05 p.m. territory.

Here?s a look at this year?s stats followed by a prediction for next year.
2011?????????????????????????? ?1:15 starts: 3? 1:05 starts: ?6??MNF:? 1??? TNF: 1??? SNF: 0
2012 prediction??????????? 1:15 starts: 4??1:05 starts:? 5? MNF:? 1??? TNF: 1??? SNF: 0

For the record, here?s how the Bay Area did in 17 weeks with 18 possible Sunday doubleheaders:
8 doubleheaders, 10 non-doubleheaders

A final note: Though it will pain Raiders fans to read this, the better the Broncos do in the playoffs, the more it benefits the Raiders. They must face Tim Tebow and the Bronocs twice next season, and if the Broncos are considered a playoff-caliber team, there?ll be lots of national interest on their matchups. Reestablishing the Raiders-Broncos rivalry from the Orange Crush era puts both these squads on everyone?s radar.

Since Raider fans have no love lost for the Patriots, it?s time for them to suck it up and root for Tebow. The NFL Playoffs makes strange bedfellows for sure.

Follow Dave on?Twitter?and like him on?Facebook, or click ?Subscribe to get instant updates? above and get Bay Area Media Examiner posts sent to your email inbox.

Source: http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r5723406106

groupon ipo breeders cup 2011 gwar gwar san diego weather tropic thunder justin bieber baby