To win the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders need to cash in on offensive opportunities. Above all, scoring more sixes than three takes the pressure off the defense.
With the AFC West panning out to be the most contentious divisional battle in recent history, the understanding that everyone must step up has never been clearer, especially for the Raiders. The Las Vegas Raiders were one of two AFC West teams to make the playoffs last season, but enter the 2022 season with the worst betting odds to win their division, which comes as a bit of a shock, considering their offseason additions of Davante Adams and Chandler Jones.
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Regardless of betting odds, which coincidentally do not play any role in the outcome of games, a 10-7 record may not be enough to return to the playoffs from the AFC West. Additionally, individual stats may not be the main determinant of a team’s success, but they can give a general idea of who is working and whose position group needs a bit of help.
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Derek Carr
Through his eight-year NFL career, Derek Carr has yet to surpass 5000 passing yards or thirty-six touchdowns, which translates to 294 yards and just under two touchdowns per game. While achieving (and passing) these milestones would signify an incredible season, they are no longer outside the question of possibility, thanks to one of the best pass-catching corps in the league of Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow. However, with an increase in pass attempts came an increase in interceptions, as Carr would record a career-high fourteen giveaways. With more capable mouths to feed, this number should not be repeated.
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Prediction: 5185 yards, 36 touchdowns, 8 interceptions
Davante Adams
As many discuss how much better the Raiders’ offensive situation has become, very few mention how the general outlook for Adams’ personal stats has fallen (a good thing from a team perspective). Adams left Green Bay having logged eight seasons with the team, and never once getting to play with a wide receiver picked in the first round of an NFL draft. He now joins two incredibly established pass catchers in Las Vegas, whose best weapons may revolve around spreading out the field. There could be some statistically down days for Adams, but he should remain incredibly reliable where the Raiders need him most: the red zone.
Prediction: 1200 yards, 13 touchdowns
Darren Waller
Although injuries held Waller back from recording 1000+ receiving yards for the third straight season, he is still poised to play a major role in the Raiders’ offense, exploiting single coverage while clearing the field for his fellow pass catchers when a second pair of eyes are directed his way. Like Adams, he may not reach a career-high in yards simply because of the Raiders’ new potential to facilitate the ball amongst the trifecta. Career-high or not, Waller will still be a major problem in single coverage.
Prediction: 900 yards, 7 touchdowns
Hunter Renfrow
After watching Renfrow emerge from a third-down receiver to a full-fledged 1000+ yard receiver and Pro Bowler, many wondered how high the third-year receiver could fly. Unfortunately, it will be difficult to expect much of an uptick in stats this season. It will not be surprising to see Renfrow settle back into a third-down/gadget play role while still remaining a dangerously elusive target. The weekly gameplan could play a major role in determining whether he falls ahead of or behind Waller for the second-target option, but with his resume recently updated to include a 1000+ yard, 9 touchdown season, there is very little holding him back from keeping relative pace with Adams.
Prediction: 1000 yards, 8 touchdowns
Outlook
With all intents and purposes, the Las Vegas Raiders should break a few scoreboards. Now, while all of this is hypothetical, their talent is very real. As a result, these numbers do not feel out of the realm of rationale. Moreover, if the Raiders can achieve these stats, that will put them in the driver’s seat in the AFC West.