Oakland Raiders 2014 Season Preview: 5 Boldest Predictions

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) smiles on the sideline during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Here we are the start of the NFL season already upon us as the first game kicked off Thursday night. With the beginning of a new season becomes a renewed optimism for every NFL fan, thinking this might be the year their team wins the Lombardi Trophy. RaiderNation has many reasons to be optimistic for this upcoming season. Starting a promising rookie at QB and adding veteran defensive talent, has Oakland Raiders fans believing they will compete this season. I am hear to tell you, RaiderNation, it is okay to believe.

Now is our time to dispel the thought we are the laughing stock of the NFL. Reggie McKenzie has done a great job rebuilding the team the right way and now is when we shock the NFL world. While I do believe the Raiders are going to be much improved, I have five bold predictions of events that will happen this season. Some may call me crazy, but the NFL is always full of surprises and I truly believe the Raiders are poised to shock the world. JBB editor Chase Ruttig already gave his 5 bold predictions in his season preview article, but these are a step bolder. Without further ado, lets get to the list. 

1. Derek Carr will throw for more than 3,500 yards and 25+ tds

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone who watched the Raiders final preseason game will understand this prediction. The kid threw for 143 yards and 3 tds in just over a quarter against the Seahawks first and second string defense. Yes the same Seahawks that completely dismantled Aaron Rodgers and the Packers Thursday night. Now I know this was just a preseason game, but Pete Carroll and his defense have a lot of pride and do not like it when teams move the ball regardless of the situation.

Sure there are some tough games on the schedule for Carr, but the kid is as poised as anybody on the team to break out. He has complete control of the offense and he has the arm to make all the throws. His trust in his arm strength may get him into some trouble and picks could be an issue early on, but expect Carr to put up huge numbers on his way to the Rookie of the Year award.