5 bold predictions for Raiders against Broncos
By John Buhler
3. Derek Carr will have a bounce-back performance with multiple touchdowns
Last week at home vs. the Chicago Bears was not a banner day for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. For the first time this year, he was unable to connect with any of his offensive skill-position players for a touchdown. He completed 22-of-35 passes for 206 yards. Carr took three sacks on the afternoon and threw a pick in the Raiders’ 20-9 home defeat to Chicago. They looked lost.
With one of the worst weeks in recent Raiders memory behind them, look for Carr to have a bounce back performance vs. a defense he knows very well. Though he may not eclipse 300 yards passing on the afternoon, he will have at least two passing touchdowns, including one big explosive play to Henry Ruggs III sprinting down the Denver sidelines to most glorious pay dirt.
Frankly, Carr will outperform Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock or whoever Vic Fangio decides to put under center for his team. Unfortunately, this will be a tough day for the Raiders to get anything going in the ground game, so that will play a part in the Las Vegas offense not really being able to fully take off. A lot will be put on Carr’s shoulders in this game, but he will do more than his part.
Look for Carr to complete 63 percent of his passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and a pick.