Over/Under: Figuring Raiders Milestones in 2017

With the NFL season finally underway, let’s take a look at some potential over/under for players who are expected to be among the most productive on the Raiders. As a reminder, these are for entertainment purposes only.

Derek Carr +/- 4200 Passing Yards

To date, the young gunslinger in Oakland never breached the 4000 yard mark in his career. As a prospective MVP candidate ( finished 3rd last year ), it is likely that Derek Carr easily eclipses this number. Look for him to post north of 4200 yard with ease. Consider this, last season Carr sat over 250 yards away from the four-thousand yard plateau. He averaged 262 yards a game last season. In that case, one could assume he would have broken this marker anyway if he had stayed healthy. Now, with a team lacking a strong defense, I would expect that average to jump.

Verdict: More than 4200

Amari Cooper +/- 1400 receiving yards

Amari Cooper enjoyed an interesting career path to this point. Both his Rrookie and sophomore seasons featured some incredibly highs and some unexpectedly lows. With that said, it’s easy to assume the next step in his progression would come in a giant leap in receiving yards. However, while he is still clearly getting better, he may actually be the victim of improved surrounding talent. Sharing targets with Jared Cook and Cordarrelle Patterson in the fold could actually serve as an anchor for his receiving yardage total. That isn’t to say he is in line for a regression. Rather that it is more likely that his numbers remain the same if a bit more consistent.

Verdict: Under 1300

Marshawn Lynch +/- 9.5 combined Rushing/Receiving Touchdowns

Marshawn Lynch is perhaps the most polarizing running back this side of Adrian Peterson. Taking a year away from football, and featuring one of the more aggressive running styles of the decade, no one is 100% sure what we will happen. Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio already acknowledged that Lynch would be the lead back. In addition, and Lynch said he didn’t come back just to show face. Now running behind a top offensive line, many people anticipate Lynch becoming a touchdown vulture at the goal line. With former Raider Latavius Murray rushing for twelve scores just last year, Lynch is a good bet to break double digits before the season is out. Provided, he can remain healthy.

Verdict: Lynch will see carries inside the five.

Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin combine +/- 20 Sacks

Sacks and interceptions remain the two hardest statistics to prorate or anticipate due to their sheer randomness. Yet, what is not random is Khalil Mack’s ability to get to the opposing team’s quarterback. This prop has more to do with the general production from Bruce Irvin and friends as last year the Raiders featured on of the worst pass rushing units of the season. Granted, Irvin is a gamer, and he nearly broke double digits last season. If either Eddie Vanderdoes or Mario Edwards steps their game up there may be fewer sacks to go around.

Verdict: Don’t count on it.