Oakland Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams: Bold predictions for Week 1

2. Raiders fail to tally a single sack

With Mack gone and Bruce Irvin serving as the only proven edge rusher, it’s going to be tough sledding for the Raiders when it comes to getting after Jared Goff. The third-year quarterback could very well have one of his best days through the air if the pass rusher struggles.

Well, as it turns out, that’s what I’m predicting will happen. The Oakland defense will have such a hard time getting after him, it’ll fail to tally a single sack on Monday night.

Boy, would that be embarrassing. Then again, that’s what happens when you trade away one of the best all-around defenders in the game. Even Mario Edwards Jr. was kept off the final 53-man roster after notching 5.5 sacks in 30 appearances for the Raiders. At this point, I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to trade away Irvin. Or has he?

Either way, the Raiders are going to struggle to make Goff uncomfortable in the pocket. Sure, they’ll get a few pressures, especially since rookies P.J. Hall, Maurice Hurst and Adren Key should all see snaps. However, with so few veteran pass rushers on the roster, Los Angeles will have a plan in place to ensure Goff’s jersey stays relatively clean.