Las Vegas Raiders 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (It's Time to Respect Derek Carr)

Leading up to the NFL season, we are previewing every single team from a betting perspective. You can find the full list of team previews here. On today's slate: the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders snuck into the NFL playoffs last year, and then traded for one of the best receivers in the league in Davante Adams.

Trading for the All-Pro receiver wasn't the only move the Raiders made. They also signed head coach Josh McDaniels, and as a result, will enter into a new era in the franchise's history.

Will they find themselves back in the postseason for the second straight year?

Let's dive into how the oddsmakers project they'll fare in 2022.

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Offseason Moves, Signings, Coaching Changes.

• Hired HC Josh McDaniels, former OC of the New England Patriots.
• Traded 2022 1st round + 2nd round draft pick for WR Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers.
• Signed LB Chandler Jones from the Arizona Cardinals.
• Selected OG Parham with the 90th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Schedule

The Raiders begin their 2022 regular season with a rematch of their final regular season game from a year ago. Las Vegas beat Los Angeles in overtime, and as a result, advanced to the postseason.

The Raiders will play in three prime time football games. The first will be a Week 5 Monday Night Football showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Later in the season, they'll play in prime time games in back-to-back weeks. They'll take on the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, and then face the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.

The Raiders BYE week is scheduled for Week 6.

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 8.5 Wins (-130)
• UNDER 8.5 Wins (+110)

In our article, "32 NFL Bets to Make Before the Season Starts", Peter Dewey wrote that his best bet is for the Raiders to make the playoffs at +160. For that to happen, they'll need to hit the OVER on their 8.5 projected win total.

I have to say I agree with Peter on this one.

Derek Carr might be one of the most underrated QBs in the NFL. Last year, for example, he finished 5th in the NFL in passing yards but didn't have a single pass catcher finish in the Top 20 in receiving yards.

Now you add Devante Adams in the mix, the guy who many people say is the best receiver in the NFL, and you have a recipe for success.

Let's not forget this Raiders team finished 7th in the NFL in net yards per play last season. They finished the year with 10 wins, but it could have been even more.

I see no reason why they can't at least match their success from 2021 in 2022.

Pick: OVER 8.5 Wins (-130)

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Odds to Win AFC West, AFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: +160
• Odds to Win AFC West: +650
• Odds to Win AFC: +2000
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +4000

I'll admit that I'm tempted to bet on the Raiders at +650 to win the AFC West. Regression may be coming from the Kansas City Chiefs after losing Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins.

But, I'll take a step back and be safe. Let's bet on the Raiders to make the playoffs at +160.

If they can put up similar numbers to last season, it terms of statistics, there's no reason to believe they can't get back to the dance. They ranked 5th in the AFC in yards per play, and 3rd in opponent yards per play.

Give Derek Carr some respect, and wager on Las Vegas to get back to the NFL postseason.

Pick: Make the Playoffs +160

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