NFL power rankings: League-wide look at each team as preseason starts

NFL power rankings: League-wide look for each team as preseason starts

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers after the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Packers 44-21. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders takes a snap against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter on December 4, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 38-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

28. . . . Oakland Raiders. 5. team

Veteran offensive tackle Donald Penn continues to hold out, but the Raiders offensive line remains one of the better ones in the NFL heading into preseason.

Penn should return soon, and Raiders fans shouldn’t worry too much about how his absence affects this unit.

As a whole, the Raiders offense could be in line for some big things this year.Wide receiver Amari Cooper is poised to break out, and Oakland could get something out of hometown her, running back Marshawn Lynch.

But the key here is quarterback Derek Carr who, had it not been for a broken leg late last season, could have carried Oakland deep into the postseason.

The Raiders still have some issues within their secondary, although the defense is notably improved from last year.

And that’s a very scary thing.