5 bold predictions for Raiders against Bengals
By John Buhler
2. Derek Carr will throw for over 300 yards on the Bengals defense
Where would the Raiders be without Derek Carr? He is a stabilizing force in a perpetually chaotic organization. At times this year, he has played like an MVP candidate, although we all know he is not really in contention for the award. However, there are games where he can carry the Raiders offense well beyond what they should be capable of. He goes toe-for-toe with Joe Burrow Sunday.
It may not be the cleanest of games of the Raiders quarterback, but he will get the job done more often than not. Carr will stand tall in the face of pressure and continually sling one ball down the field after another. Though he will miss some easy throws on first and second downs, Carr will be money in winning time and on third down. He will convert 80 percent of his third-down attempts.
As far as what Carr’s overall stat line will be for this game, look for him to complete somewhere around 62 percent of his passes for 315 yards, three touchdowns and an awful interception. Anytime the Raiders quarterback throws for over 300 yards this season, the team has won. While he was one pass away from doing so vs. the Giants two weeks ago, this benchmark is important.
Look for this to be one of the better head-to-head matchups when it comes to quarterback play.