Oakland Raiders: 3 Bold predictions vs. Chiefs, Week 2
By Steve Rivera
3. Derek Carr has a better day than Mahomes
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had a big week to kick of his 2019 campaign. Against the Broncos on Monday night, Carr completed 22 passes on 26 attempts for 259 yards and one touchdown. He also managed to spread the wealth, as seven players caught the football in the 24-16 win. Clearly, he was the best quarterback on the field. However, in Week 2, he’ll be going up against the reigning league MVP.
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Patrick Mahomes looks to be off to another hot start. In Jacksonville, he would go for 25-of-33 for 378 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a good day, and he may have another on Sunday.
Then again, maybe not. Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco was under a lot of pressure from the Raiders defense. Flacco was sacked three times and didn’t really impress in his Denver debut. Mahomes, who got knocked around against the Jaguars can expect the same kind of treatment in Oakland. Two consecutive weeks of getting banged around will take a roll early.
Look for the Raiders to get in his face early and often. Also, look for Mahomes to toss his first couple of interceptions in 2019.
Conversely, Carr has another good showing and keeps the Raiders close. Gruden has a lot more faith in his signal-caller this season, and it shows.
Mahomes may be the more popular quarterback on the field Sunday, but at the end of the day, his numbers won’t be the best. Care is simply better on Sunday because of the Raiders defense clamping down on Mahomes when they absolutely have to.