Mathematically, it’s almost inevitable that the Raiders or 49ers will someday get back into the NFL playoffs.

At least that’s what Al Davis, Jed York and I keep telling each other.
Yes, it’s probable that both Bay Area franchises will make it into the postseason at some point before the spaceships come to rescue us all.
As it is, as they prepare to open training camp this week (Raiders in Napa, 49ers in Santa Clara), the raw data are hard to believe, even though we’ve all lived through it.
Neither team has made the playoffs for six seasons, a period of squalor duplicated only by Detroit, Houston, Buffalo and Cleveland.
This comes at a time of intense NFL parity — in each of the past 13 seasons, at least five teams that made the playoffs were not there the year before.
The Raiders swear they are different this summer as Coach Tom Cable begins his first full season. The 49ers promise similar things about their attitude under Coach Mike Singletary in his first full season.
So let’s do a general review of what and whom to look for heading into these intriguing training camp days ...
Raiders summer issue to watch: Third-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell’s focus, consistency, weight and reaction to pressure from wily veteran Jeff Garcia. It’s probably time for Al to consider pulling Russell’s “scholarship” if the big QB struggles in camp and beyond. But what a disaster for the Raiders should any of that occur.
49ers summer issue to watch: We know Singletary’s going to run a smash-mouth camp. But in so doing will he wear down his players by September?
Raiders position battle to watch: Left tackle is always a key spot, especially with a young quarterback. Davis’ guy is Mario Henderson. The veteran signee is Khalif Barnes. (Bet on Henderson.)
49ers position battle to watch: Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith at quarterback, with Hill expected to have a slight incumbent’s advantage. How Singletary runs this competition will have a ripple effect on the whole season, the same way Mike Martz’s fixed pick of J.T. O’Sullivan put a permanent stamp on 2008.
Raiders ready to break loose: Running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, if they stay healthy, could cut defenses to pieces.
49er ready to break loose: Safety Dashon Goldson, taking over for Mark Roman, has to show right away that he can run the secondary and also get his hands on passes.
Soul of the Raiders: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha got the historic money last spring, which adds even more credence to his locker-room leadership.
Soul of the 49ers: Running back Frank Gore is everything Singletary wants every other 49er to be.
Raiders rookie under the microscope: Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 overall draft pick, was a reach selection and hurt for most of the pre-camp workouts. If he’s invisible in Napa, he could be the fastest Raiders bust ever.
49ers rookie under the microscope: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick, could be their first game-breaker since Terrell Owens. But has the 49ers’ bragging about Crabtree being a top-five talent convinced Crabtree to seek mega-dollars? That would create a giant contract issue, lead to missed camp time and put Crabtree’s rookie season in jeopardy.
Raiders coach under the microscope: Defensive coordinator John Marshall, taking over for Rob Ryan. Somebody has to figure out how the Raiders are going to stop the run. There aren’t many new players, so it’s on Marshall, running Davis’ preferred schemes.
49ers coach under the microscope: Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, taking over for Martz. Is there a reason so many other highly regarded coaches wanted no part of this job? It’s up to Raye to show that Singletary lucked out by scaring everybody else off.
Raiders veteran to watch: Wide receiver Javon Walker. He’s still on the team, right?
49ers veteran to watch: Linebacker Manny Lawson was drafted in 2006 as a pass rusher, moved out of that role, got hurt, and now is back as their great pass-rushing hope. If not him, I don’t know who it’ll be. And they need it to be someone.
Both franchises need a lot of someones to emerge, starting this week, or else we’re going to be right back here next July, after another playoff-free season.