Oakland Raiders: 3 Bold Predictions For 2018-19 Season
The Oakland Raiders will enter the 2018-19 season with high expectations. After a crumble in 2017, the Raiders sought out an old face to bring them out their darkness. Will Jon Gruden and Doug Martin be enough for the Raiders to make it back to the playoffs?
Here are 3 Bold Predictions for the Oakland Raiders 2018-19 NFL season.
[MarkAds]Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin will Combine for 2000 yards rushing
Last season was more of a “let’s see if I can still do this year” for Lynch. In his first season with the Raiders, Lynch rushed for only 891 yards on 207 carries. Not the best of years for Lynch but after getting his feet wet after taking some time off, he’ll be back to normal for the 2018-19 season. However, to counter Lynch’s production, the Raiders signed former NFL leading rusher Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they’re not making major headlines so far, they will when the season starts. Under Jon Gruden, the Raiders will have a much-improved passing attack, however, it’s the RBs that will benefit the most. The Raiders will hit defenses with power and speed which will give them one of the top 3 rushing attacks in the NFL.
The Defense will Have 10+ Interceptions
The Oakland Raiders registered just five interceptions last season. Wow! How does a team expect to make the playoffs but can’t help the offense out with turnovers? The Raiders allowed the 7th most passing yards in the NFL and for them to make the playoffs, the secondary must do better. A new year brings new opportunity and players like Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph will have to do better. I fully expect a bounce-back season for the Raiders’ secondary in 2018.
Raiders Will Go Undefeated In AFC West
Despite their horrid coverage skills, the Raiders will sweep the division. I know, there is so much history in that division that every game is a dogfight. But look at the Kansas City Chiefs. They will start a new QB and put more pressure on Hill and Hunt to perform and I can’t see them beating Gruden. The same goes for the Los Angeles Chargers. While Philip Rivers is still one of the elite QBs in the league, his supporting cast cannot fight off a team with a chip on their shoulder. The Denver Broncos will be the toughest task for the Raiders. While the offense and defense will return the same cast, the big difference will be Case Keenum. Which Keenum will be behind center? The Raiders will walk away with two nail-biting victories.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
