Three predictions for the Raiders in week two

Before we get to this week’s predictions, let’s take a look at how I did on my predictions for the Oakland Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints game from last week:

1 – Raiders hold the Saints to 100 yards or less on the ground – YES

The Saints only had 88 yards on the ground but with an average of 4 yards per carry, the lack of production has more to do with a decision by the Saints to throw the ball than it has to do with the Raiders run defense.

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2 – Raiders tally three sacks – NO

The Silver and Black only managed to sack Drew Brees once. Perhaps if they had gotten more consistent pressure and gotten Brees on his back more, the game would not have been so close.

3 – Raiders put up over 120 yards as a team – YES

This was the prediction I am the most excited about. Not only did the Raiders get over 120 yards, they did it by a good amount, totaling 167 yards on the ground. Obviously a large chunk of that came from Jalen Richard’s 75 yard scamper, but those are the kinds of plays that come with a good run game.

THIS WEEK’S PREDICTIONS

1 – Derek Carr throws for over 300 yards and two or more touchdowns

This week could easily turn into another shootout as the Falcons defense leaves a lot to be desired while their offense has one of the best wide receivers in the league in Julio Jones. Much like the Raiders, the Falcons played in a high scoring game in week one, losing 31-24 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hopefully the Raiders defense will play better but either way, I imagine the Raiders offense will get their shots in against a bad Falcons defense.

2 – Bruce Irvin gets two sacks

Irvin should have gotten two sacks in week one if not for a holding penalty in the secondary that negated his work. Plus he put at least three good hits on Drew Brees that may not have been sacks but certainly weren’t fun for Brees either. It’s clear that once again, Khalil Mack is going to get double and triple teamed, the difference is that this year the Raiders have someone playing opposite of him who can take advantage of that fact.

3 – Raiders get two turnovers

That’s right. I’m predicting a big week for the Raiders defense. This Falcons offense can put some points on the board, but Matt Ryan is no Drew Brees. This is a Raiders defense that will bend and at times even break. But it’s also a defense that is likely to create a good number of turnovers this season. Both Sean Smith and David Amerson are aggressive corners looking to make plays while the pass rush, once it gets going, will be fierce and will contribute to turnovers.

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