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Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season over-under predictions

By Maurice Moton

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

QB, Derek Carr: Over/Under 4,000 passing yards

Through four NFL campaigns, quarterback Derek Carr doesn’t have a 4,000-yard passing season on his resume. In today’s league, with pass-heavy offenses, you’d assume it’s more standard than extraordinary, but only eight signal-callers reached the mark in 2017.

The 4K-mark remains a respectable goal for a developing passer in the league, especially one looking to establish himself as a franchise player. Carr came close during the 2015 season, falling just 13 yards short then 63 yards shy in 2016 when his season ended prematurely in Week 16 because of a broken leg.

After failing to reach 3,500 passing yards last season, Carr is set up for a bounce-back year with new receiving weapons in Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant. The three-time Pro Bowler welcomes a sure-handed 10th-year veteran who will cut down on the drop count — something that’s plagued this offense over the past few seasons — and an explosive vertical threat in the former Pittsburgh Steeler.

In the backfield, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington have all logged at least 29 catches in a season. Carr won’t have a problem tossing into the flat if the ground attack struggles against a strong front.

Tight end Jared Cook built a solid rapport with Carr during the previous season. He led the team with 688 receiving yards. The solid trio at wideout should open the seam for him in the upcoming season.

With a loaded offensive unit and proven play-callers on the sideline, Carr just needs to stay healthy this year to top his career-high in passing yards. If he does, the 27-year old will join the 4K-club in 2018. 

Projection: Over

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