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Breaking Down the Oakland Raiders’ Opponents For the 2015 NFL Preseason

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Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

Breaking Down the Oakland Raiders' Opponents For the 2015 NFL Preseason

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sport

The NFL preseason schedules are finally out, and the Oakland Raiders will be tested against some of the league's best teams. Having to play three NFC West teams may not evoke the fear it once did, but the division will be a great barometer for how well the Raiders can do this season.

Week 1 vs. St. Louis Rams

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sport

Week 1 vs. St. Louis Rams

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The first of three NFC West teams that Oakland will face this preseason is the St. Louis Rams. Last year the Rams finished the season with a 6-10 record and fourth in their division, but do not let those numbers fool you. This young team has one of the best defensive lines in football, and by acquiring former Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles, the Rams' offense will have a high-powered passing attack to match a good run game.

Week 2 at Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings running back Dominique Williams (43) is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Torell Troup (64) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 at Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings running back Dominique Williams (43) is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Torell Troup (64) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Vikings finished 7-9 last year, there is a sense of optimism for this season. Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater showed fans that he can lead an offense to victory and become their franchise quarterback. Last season also showed us that life without Adrian Peterson is possible and that games can be won without him. While Minnesota is still in a rebuilding phase, the Raiders would be wise not to underestimate them.

Week 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a touchdown pass in front of Oakland Raiders strong safety Usama Young (26) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Week 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a touchdown pass in front of Oakland Raiders strong safety Usama Young (26) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Early last season, the Arizona Cardinals looked to be the team to beat in the NFC. But when quarterback Carson Palmer and backup Drew Stanton went down with season-ending injuries, the Cardinals were unable to hold on and finish on a high note. The Raiders' newly refurbished organization will be tested early against a perennial Super Bowl contender this preseason.

Week 4 at Seattle Seahawks

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass under pressure from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jordan Hill (97) at O.co Coliseum
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 at Seattle Seahawks

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass under pressure from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jordan Hill (97) at O.co Coliseum
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks may have lost the Super Bowl last season, but they are poised to return back to the top of their division. By acquiring TE Jimmy Graham from the Saints this offseason, Seattle is hoping to boost an already robust passing offense to go along with a very strong run game. The Seahawks will provide the ultimate test for how well prepared this Raiders squad actually is for 2015.

James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.

James Forsythe is a writer for RantSports.
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