Las Vegas Raiders: Marcus Mariota will lead them to the playoffs
Derek Carr will likely start the season as the team’s quarterback, but it’s only a matter of time before Mariota take his job. Jon Gruden’s dissatisfaction with Carr is obvious every team the team takes the field.
Mariota isn’t ever going to live up to his draft status, but he’s got a chance to be a big improvement on Carr. The combination of his mobility and his willingness to get rid of the ball quickly make him a better fit for what the Raiders want to do on offense.
That uptick in offensive production can allow Las Vegas to push for double-digit wins. That might just be enough to allow Gruden’s squad to sneak into the playoffs. That would be a terrific accomplishment for a franchise that was flailing wildly before his arrival.
Los Angeles Chargers: Anthony Lynn won’t win a game
Any team that approaches a regular season with Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback doesn’t have much hope of success. Unfortunately for Lynn and his coaching staff, that’s the hand they’ve been dealt in Los Angeles.
Of course, it’s only a matter of time before the franchise turns to Justin Herbert. Lynn would be well-served to make that switch the moment he starts to feel pressure. Guiding Herbert to some measure of success is the only way he can keep his job.
Don’t bet on him to successfully navigate those treacherous coaching waters. Lynn will be fired before he wins a single game. Five or six consecutive defeats should be enough to earn him a pink slip.