3 Las Vegas Raiders Bold Predictions for Week 1

It's a season of change for many teams, and that's especially true for the Las Vegas Raiders, who have a new home. However, they hit the road in Week 1 to be the slight favorites over the Carolina Panthers.

Either team could win and it wouldn't be shocking. However, this game may bring other surprises. With that in mind, here's three bold predictions for the Raiders against the Panthers.

3. Josh Jacobs Sets New Career High in Rushing

The Panthers gave up a league-worst 5.2 yards per carry last season. Clearly, Josh Jacobs is the lead back in this Raiders offense. Along with his role expanding this season, he should get a heavy workload in Week 1, leading to a new career-high in rushing yards. Jacobs’ high is currently at 124 yards on the ground, so he’ll need a big day to top it.

2. Teams Combine for 800 Total Yards

Jacobs will not be the only player putting up big numbers in this game. These defenses are so poor that we could see 800 total yards. Last season, the Raiders gave up 354.8 yards per game (No. 19 in NFL). The Panthers brought in the offensive-minded Matt Rhule to be head coach, and this offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the NFL. However, the Carolina defense is horrendous. They gave up 374.5 yards per game last season (No. 24 in NFL), and they lost Luke Kuechly since then. Bad defenses and dangerous offenses lead to big yards and fun games for fantasy football.

1. Raiders Sack Teddy Bridgewater Five Times

Carolina allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked 3.6 times per game last season, which was tied for the most in the league. They did not do enough to address this weakness. With this Rhule offense expected to pass a lot, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Raiders to bring the heat and get after Teddy Bridgewater.

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