Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season over-under predictions

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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OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is seen on the sideline after defeating the Denver Broncos 21-14 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California (Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images) /

RB, Marshawn Lynch: Over/Under 1,000 rushing yards

There’s excitement brewing between Tom Cable and Lynch. Beast Mode eclipsed 1,200 yards in four out of five seasons with the offensive line coach calling the shots for the front five.

Lynch finished the previous season on a strong note. Through December, he listed fourth in rushing yards with 333 and fewer attempts than Kareem Hunt and C.J. Anderson who ranked first and third in that span. There’s still juice left in Beast Mode’s tank, but the Raiders backfield isn’t set up for him to carry the ball 280-plus times as he did in Seattle with Cable.

Similar to the past season, Lynch will likely handle around 200-210 carries. The Raiders will have at least two other running backs sharing the load. Expect Martin to handle close to 10 carries per game. He’s averaged at least 12 rush attempts in each of his six seasons. Washington and Richard may battle for a roster spot. If they both make the cut, expect an even lighter workload for the lead back.

As a head coach, Gruden’s offenses have only produced two 1,000-yard rushers in nine seasons. Tyrone Wheatley ran for 1,046 in 2000 and Cadillac Williams, the No. 5 overall pick in 2005, logged 1,178 in his rookie year. Both needed more than 230 carries to reach their final numbers.

At 32 years old, with capable ball-carriers behind him, the offense won’t require Lynch to handle a high volume, but he’ll remain the top option near the goal line.

Projection: Under

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