As we continue to work our way out of the NFL’s basement, we find ourselves stumped.

We’ve already taken care of the Falcons, Dolphins, and Chiefs, three teams that should abandon all hope as they enter the 2008 season.

Now it’s getting tricky. The Rams were 3-13 in 2007, but if their offensive linemen can stay healthy, they will be a lot better this time around.  The Jets were 4-12, and they have spent at least enough money to go 6-10, maybe 7-9.  The Raiders were bad (as usual, of late), but they have improved the roster as well – even though they arguably overpaid tremendously for more than a few of them.

So we put the names in a hat and pulled one out engaged in lengthy and careful discussions and deliberations, and we have decided that, of this trio, the team that deserves the No. 29 spot on the preseason power rankings is the (drum roll, please) Raiders.

Remember, these rankings aren’t a prediction about how a team will finish, but only a snapshot of where they are right now.  We think that the Raiders will improve as the season progresses, and that they could flirt with a .500 record.

For now, though, the team is a bit of a mess.  Rumors have flown about the status of head coach Lane Kiffin, who might be destined to be dumped after the season (if not sooner) regardless of how well things turn out this year. The ability of JaMarcus Russell to become a high-end quarterback is still in doubt, and it’s unknown whether rookie running back Darren McFadden will be the next Adrian Peterson . . . or the next Reggie Bush.

Then there’s Javon Walker.  As rumor has it, Raiders owner Al Davis thinks that Walker will be the key to the team’s fate in 2008.  If that’s the case, Walker won’t be spraying champagne come February.  (At least, not in a locker room.)

On defense, the presence of DeAngelo Hall could be a force, if the defensive line can put some/any pressure on the quarterback.  Gibril Wilson shores up the last line of defense.  If Michael Huff finally can play like a top-ten draft pick, the secondary could be among the best in the league.

Still, for now, there are too many negatives to ignore.