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Fantasy Football: 5 Bold Predictions for 2019 – Quarterback Edition

By Jake VanZuiden

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass during the NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass during the NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 10: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at RingCentral Coliseum on August 10, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

5. Derek Carr will throw 35 touchdown passes.

How this is bold:

Throughout Carr’s five-year career, he’s never thrown more than 32 touchdown passes (2015). Last season, he saw a career-low 19 passing TDs. Star WR Antonio Brown‘s status is also up in the air for the start of the regular season due to his “helmet saga” and conflict with the team’s front office.

Why this will come true:

While this prediction may seem a bit far-fetched, allow me to plead my case.

After seeing a career-low in touchdown passes (19) in 2018, Raiders’ QB Derek Carr is currently being criminally underrated by the fantasy community (ranked as the QB23 by ESPN). To make matters worse, even guys like Jimmy Garoppolo and Matthew Stafford are being taken ahead of him.

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This offseason, the Raiders took the initiative of making sure their franchise quarterback is surrounded with the talent he needs to return to his former-MVP form. This Spring, they revamped their pass-catching corps, signing WRs Tyrell Williams and speedster J.J. Nelson while also bringing in superstar Antonio Brown. The team also managed to bolster to their offensive line, adding key pieces in Trent Brown and Richie Incognito.

35 passing touchdowns would mark a career-high for Carr, but as he proved in 2015 (32 passing TDs), it’s definitely an attainable goal as he’s now surrounded with the most talent he’s ever had. Add first-round running back Josh Jacobs into the mix, and you’ve got what could be a complete turnaround for HC Jon Gruden‘s offense in 2019.

While Carr’s touchdown numbers were down last season, that doesn’t tell the entire story. The sixth-year man out of Fresno State enjoyed career-highs in passing yards (4,049) and completion percentage (68.9) while playing behind the 28th-ranked offensive line in football, according to PFF. Sleep on Carr at your own risk, but he could be in for a memorable fantasy campaign if he plays his cards right.

Next. Fantasy Football QB Rankings - 2019 Preview. dark

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